But before we could delve into who Bar Kokhba really was, we discussed the three different perspectives of the revolt. The Christians heavily disliked Bar Kokhba, while the Romans wrote about Hadrian's role in trying to put down the revolt. The Jewish perspective talked about the fact the revolt as a result of Roman rule not allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple.
Bar Kokhba himself started out as Bar Kosiba, but had his name later changed by Rabbi Akiva to Bar Kokhba which means "son of star." Rabbi Akiva gave him this name because even he believed that Bar Kokhba was the Messiah. The uprising that occurred under Bar Kokhba was described by the Romans to be really organized, as it was difficult for the Romans to fight. The 10th legion was sent to conquer the revolt, and they used scorched earth tactics to make Judea completely desolate. As a result, a million Jews died. Jerusalem was named Aelia Capitolina and a temple for Jupiter was built in replace of the Beit Hamikdash. Bar Kokhba is now sometimes referred to as Bar Koziba which means son of disappointment, or son of the lie.
We then got on the bus for the second time and went to visit Beit Guvrin and marvel in the ruins of the Roman Amphitheater. We discussed the Hadrian decrees, which were a list of Jewish mitzvot banned by the Roman government and set by Hadrian. We also started to talk as a class about the concern of losing our Jewish identities over a decree like this and how we would react in a situation like this. We also learned about Rabbi Akiva and his importance in this time period. With an inspiring story, Akiva was pushed to learn and study by the woman he loved and then becomes completely respected and honored as a teacher in the Jewish community. Starting his study from the age of 40 and becoming a big deal so fast when he first started poor and illiterate is something that can inspire us all, and also must have backed up his belief in Bar Kokhba as the Messiah at the time.
Overall, a story of violence and a struggle to maintain Jewish values was taught in a beautiful and thought provoking environment. The game of "gladiator" was hilarious to play, even funnier to watch, and chilling to understand that our fun game took place in a previously bloody arena. The end of our tiyul brought together the dangers of the revolt, the question of losing Jewish values, and the characters we learned about who died for their beliefs.
Wandering around in the beautiful nature
Wow look at us
Jessie trying to "fit in" to the Roman culture
Entering the arena as gladiators
Some people believe that Bar Kokhba was a hero because he fought for the cause of preserving Jewish culture and died for his cause, while some people believe that Bar Kokhba was a disappointment because he claimed to be the Messiah when he really wasn't. What is your opinion of Bar Kokhba? Is he a martyr or a disappointment? In addition, how would you handle the situation of oppression from the Romans? Do you fight or do you assimilate? (Even though we already discussed this in class, I'm still curious to hear your answers in more detail after being able to think more about it.)
I don't entirely believe it's fair to label Bar Kokhba a failure. His failure to win a revolt may have been disappointing, but to label him a failure would be categorizing anyone who ever tried and didn't succeed to accomplish something they were passionate about a waste - and trying your best without success still shouldn't be something automatically futile. If I was in the time period I feel that I would either fight back or move away, as living somewhere that outwardly oppressed who I was wouldn't be an option.
ReplyDeleteI believe Bar Kochba was a great man and not a failure. Eventually, there would have been an uprising, Bar Kochba was just brave enough to begin it. To call him a failure would mean we would need to label all those who where not successful as failures. And we may even consider Bar Kochba successful, by even having temporary fame. I would most likely assimilate to the Roman rule, because it seems like a nice way of life to me and I am not overly attached to my religion.
ReplyDeleteJust because he lost the battle I would not label him as a disappointment. I am not saying it was a good thing that we lost, what I am arguing is that one person is not the cause of the loss of Jerusalem or the temple mount. He had the courage to stand up for what he believed in knowing that he had a chance of losing which I think is extremely courageous. However, because he had put into his head the he was the messiah I totally understand how he could be seen as full of himself which can lead a crave of power therefor seen as a disappointment.
ReplyDeleteI think in some ways I would assimilate to Roman Rule as I easly find myself addapting to new situations all the time and finding ways to relate to different people's way of living life, however I do try to hold true to my identity/ find it really important to and therefor I totally could see myself getting angry and either fighting back when it gets to a point where my identity is being challenged or moving away where I can be myself in peace.
The last thing I would label Bar Kochba is as a failure. Whie he did fail to win the revolt, he still put in lots of effort and was willing to even try. In life we all make mistakes, we will not be able to suceed at everything we do, and that does not make us failures, but gives up room to grow. If I was in this scenario, I would probably just move away and continue my way of life somewhere else where I am able to control my own life, and be happy doing it.
ReplyDeleteEven though Bar Kochba didn't win in the end, the fact that he had so much passion and fought so hard for what he believed in , makes him the opposite of a disappointment. I think it was really brave of him to revolt the way he did in that time period. Just because he technically "failed" winning the war, doesn't make him a failure in life. It is not all his fault that they lost. If I was in this time period, I think that I would probably fight, because it'd feel wrong not to, I don't think I would assimilate because I'd feel as if I am the ones oppressing the Jews (indirectly) and would feel too guilty about it.
ReplyDeleteSimply because he did not succeed does not make Bar Kochba a failure. His intentions were good, and he meant to protect his people in beginning the uprising. I don’t believe that it was solely Bar Kochba’s efforts that became the downfall of Jerusalem. He risked a lot with the intention of protecting the Jewish people. Although we lost a lot as a result, it is not fair to place all of the blame on Bar Kochba. I think it depends where I was in my life and mindset while deciding whether to fight or assimilate. I think it would be easy for me to assimilate into Roman life, as it is the less risky route to take. Still, I know myself and know that I would not lose any of my identity as well as the Jewish values I have acquired. My mindset as a Jew would most likely never fully assimilate, while I could act in a way that is appealing to the Romans.
ReplyDeleteI think bar kochba had good intentions and he tried which is all that matters. He was dedicated hardworking and inspiring. Protecting the Jews is what he attempted which is never a bad thing. If I was in this time period I'd prob runaway or fight and kill everyone so I don't die
ReplyDeleteEven though I don't like the concept of martyrdom, I don't like Bar Kokhba was a disappointment. He led an organized revolt and fought valiantly for a pretty justifiable cause. If I lived in those times, I think I would fight. I don't think I would be able to live in a country that tried to control the way I practice Judaism.
ReplyDeleteI think that Bar Kochva had a lot of bravery to inspire the revolt against the Romans, who at this time were much stronger than the Jews. I would not necessarily call Bar Kochva a disappointment because he fought for what he believed in, however, he was unsuccessful in going against the Roman forces. It was just his luck to not have been able to defeat the Romans, yet he still had a very organized method throughout the revolt. If I were in the place of the Jews at this time, I would most likely have assimilated. However, I would still retain the main Jewish customs, but I would do them in secret on my own time. I would not take the risk of fighting a group of people who was much stronger than my size.
ReplyDeleteBar Kokhba is not a failure because he was able to instill hope in the people and rally many together in a time where there seemed to be no hope at all. As I mentioned in the comments of an earlier blog post, I personally would assimilate. I don't think that there's anything worth dying for or even fighting for in a violent manner. Assimilation also will get you much farther in life. If you fight and win then you have to start from point zero whereas with assimilating, everything is already established so you just have to continue what's going on.
ReplyDeleteTo me, Bar Kokhba is not a complete failure as we see the Jews working together as a community. In addition, we see the Jews revolting in a much more organized way. For example, the tunnels which were used for hiding and the pigeons which where used to send messages. Also, it shows bravery as the Jewish people rose up to power against the much stronger Roman empire side. Even though we did not win, I personally believe it's still one of our greatest stories as it showed determination and community. I personally would assimilate but at the same time I would try and keep my Jewish identity. Judaism means a lot to me but if I'm dead, it does not mean anything so I personally feel its not worth dying for the Jewish religion.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I have a lot or respect for Bar Kochba. The jews were heavily suppressed and he stood up for what he thought was right. However, on the other hand, he is the cause for a lot of jews dying which is not good at all. Because of his, we lost a big percentage of the jewish population. If I was being oppressed by the Romans, I think I would have done the same thing. I would have rather started an uprising and die than be oppressed for many centuries. I would much rather fight than assimilate. Because if we assimilate, then we are not truly jewish anymore.
ReplyDeletePersonally, i give alot of credit to bar Kochba. He was able to lead an extremely organized revolt against the Romans. Although his revolt was extremely organized, millions of jews died which is why he has a negative reputation. I believed if i was in the same situation as the jews and being oppressed by the Romans I would have participated in the revolt with Bar Kochba. I would much rather have died fighting for my cause like the Jews in the Warsaw ghetto uprising than wait for complete assimilation and the inevitable destruction of the Jewish people. I believe fighting for your cause and martyrdom although looked upon negatively, is more "jewish" than waiting for assimilation.
ReplyDelete