Unpacking the History of the Jews of Arabia

In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Jewish tribes in Yathrib (now known as Medina) once thrived as integral members of their communities. But with the arrival of Muhammad, alliances faltered, and centuries-old traditions faced extinction.

Essential Questions:

1. What does it mean to take responsibility for one’s fellow Jew?
2. How did the earliest encounters between Muslims and Jews shape the dynamic between the two religious groups?

Big Ideas

1. The degree of mutual support between different groups of Jews can affect the outcome of a crisis.
2. The current relationship between Israel and Arab nations reflects a dynamic history that spans over a thousand years.