OCTOBER 29

539
BCE:  On the secular calendar, Babylon fell to
Cyrus the Great of Persia.  This is a
significant date because it marked the start of the return of the exiles to
Eretz Israel where the Second Temple would be built.

969:
Byzant…

OCTOBER 14

680:
Wamba, the Visigoth King of
Hispania, abdicated.  During his reign,
he issued an order expelling the Jews from Spain.  This was part of an on-going policy of abuse,
mistreatment and humiliation the Jews suffered under the Cat…

OCTOBER
13

54: Roman Emperor Claudius passed away. 
For Jews, Claudius has to rate as one of the best of the Roman rulers.
Among other things, he took the side of the Jews when they were attacked in
Alexandria; he maintained a genuine friendship …

OCTOBER 12

539 BCE: The Persian armies of Cyrus the Great captured
Babylon.  Within the year, Cyrus would make it possible
for the Jews to return to their homeland.

1129: The tombstone of Elijah ben Simon dated October 12, 1129 is among
the olde…

OCTOBER
11

1138: Massive earthquake strikes Aleppo, Syria.  According to tradition, the Jewish community
traces its origins back to the time of King David.  This is based on the description of the
conquest of the city by Joab found in the Bo…