Judaism & Jewish Culture in the Mediterranean

Question 1

What was the first Jewish community established in Barcelona after four centuries?

Accepted Answer

The Israeli Community of Barcelona

Question 2

Who ordered the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492?

Accepted Answer

Ferdinand and Isabella

Question 3

Which city was one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Jerusalem in ancient times?

Accepted Answer

Athens, Alexandria

Question 4

What historic structure in Barcelona is one of the oldest synagogues in Europe?

Accepted Answer

The Shlomo Ben Adret Synagogue

Question 5

What was Maimonides known for?

Accepted Answer

Writing the “Mishneh Torah”

Question 6

What is Ladino?

Accepted Answer

A Judeo-Spanish language

Question 7

What was one major intellectual contribution of Jewish scholars?

Accepted Answer

Translating Greek, Arabic, and Latin texts

Question 8

What accusation was made against Jewish communities during the Black Death?

Accepted Answer

They poisoned wells

Question 9

What percentage of Europe’s population was lost to the Black Death?

Accepted Answer

40%

Question 10

What was the name of Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter?

Accepted Answer

The Call

Question 11

What was the Septuagint?

Accepted Answer

The Greek translation of the Torah

Question 12

Which two regions became refuges for Jewish communities after persecution in medieval Europe?

Accepted Answer

Poland and the Ottoman Empire

Question 13

How many Jewish people currently live in Barcelona?

Accepted Answer

10,000

Question 14

Which medieval Jewish thinker merged Aristotle’s ideas with Judaism?

Accepted Answer

Maimonides

Question 15

What was the name of the decree that expelled Jews from Spain?

Accepted Answer

The Alhambra Decree

Question 16

Which industry did Jewish merchants help develop in the Mediterranean?

Accepted Answer

Long-distance trade and banking

Question 17

Which Jewish poet often wrote about Zionism and the longing for Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

Judah Halevi

Question 18

What happened to Barcelona’s Jewish Quarter in 1391?

Accepted Answer

It was attacked, burned, and 300 Jews were killed

Questions 18