The Jewish Community
The Jewish community in Rome had close ties to both Jerusalem, and to all fellow-Jews elsewhere. This close-knit community extended past borders and allowed the Jewish population to keep a very clear perception of their own identity. This sense of unified identity was strengthened by the existence of the Sanhedrin.
The Sanhedrin, the great court of the Jews in Judea convened regularly to discuss matters of Jewish law. Although its administrative authority only extended to the state of Judea, its religious authority extended all the way to Rome.
The [religious] community was also heavily centered around the synagogue, since it was a place where the Jews could congregate and enforce the beliefs and customs that formed the identity of who they were.
Jews in Rome maintained their identity as they adapted to Roman life. A majority of those in the Jewish community were shopkeepers, craftsman and peddlers, but some became poets, physicians and actors in Roman society. Since the Roman government 'tolerated' them, the Jews found it best to be within the good graces of Rome. They paid their [extremely high] taxes, they did not try to convert Roman citizens to their religion, and tried to avoid conflict by keeping to their own business.
The Sanhedrin, the great court of the Jews in Judea convened regularly to discuss matters of Jewish law. Although its administrative authority only extended to the state of Judea, its religious authority extended all the way to Rome.
The [religious] community was also heavily centered around the synagogue, since it was a place where the Jews could congregate and enforce the beliefs and customs that formed the identity of who they were.
Jews in Rome maintained their identity as they adapted to Roman life. A majority of those in the Jewish community were shopkeepers, craftsman and peddlers, but some became poets, physicians and actors in Roman society. Since the Roman government 'tolerated' them, the Jews found it best to be within the good graces of Rome. They paid their [extremely high] taxes, they did not try to convert Roman citizens to their religion, and tried to avoid conflict by keeping to their own business.