While Under Political Crises During the Rule of the Hasmoneans

question 27

Essay

While under political crises during the rule of the Hasmoneans, issues of what it really meant to be Jewish arose. Discuss how the ancient Jews understood what it meant to be Jewish in terms of how the basic principles of their religion united them and how differences in interpretation of the Law splintered them into a number of sects. Name the fundamental religious beliefs they all shared.

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Definitions:

IgA

An antibody known as Immunoglobulin A is essential for the protective functions within mucous membranes.

IgD

A class of antibodies that play a role in the immune system's response to antigens, mainly found on the surface of B cells.

Secondary Immune Response

The enhanced immune response elicited upon a second or subsequent exposure to a specific antigen, providing quicker and more effective protection.

Memory Cells

Long-lived immune cells that "remember" past infections, allowing for a faster and stronger response upon re-exposure to the same pathogen.