The Study Circle
JEWS IN PERSIA.
The history of the Jews in Persia begins with their exile in Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Yet they didn't become a part of the empire proper until Cyrus, the King of Persia, invaded and captured Babylon in 539. Cyrus was very kind to his Hebrew subjects. Not only did he permit them to return to their country, but even assisted them to rebuild their temple. During his entire reign and that of his successor, Darius, the Jews enjoyed peace and happiness. This is shown from the fact that they did not desire to return to Jerusalem when they were at liberty to do so.
Xerxes, or as he is known in the Bible, Ahasuverus, succeeded Darius. He was a stupid and wicked king. All affairs of his kingdom were directed by his ministers. During his reign, the Jews were terribly persecuted. They were only permitted to be pedlars and allowed only to trade in certain articles. It was during his reign that the Jews were saved by Esther and Mordecai.
During the reign of Artexerxes, the Jews ‚were again given freedom. Ezra was given -permission to return to Jerusalem. This time a great host followed him and with the help .of Nehemiah, a new Israel was founded. This was the king--whom .Isaiah called, “Messenger -of God” and “The Anointed of God.” .
LOTTA COHN.
ESSAYS.
The essay for next month will be that announced last month, "The Seder." The month following the subject will be, "Comparison of Moses and Joshua."
CIRCLE NOTES.
NEW YORK CITY.
The latest addition to our list of junior circles is that of the Sunbeams of Zion, organized by the B'nai and B'no'h Zion under the leadership of Miss Mamie Lippman. The circle is composed of young girls of ten to twelve years and meets weekly at the Jewish Centre Association. An interesting entertainment of recitations, songs and drills was given to celebrate Purim.
The Literary Junior Branch gave a successful performance of Mr. Louis Lipsky's playlet, "Vice Versa," April 11, at Majestic Hall. The program included a few sketches and was interspersed with Zionist songs. The summer months will be occupied with outdoor meetings, at which a study of the Bible will be undertaken.
The Group Al'neuland has organized a junior branch of girls. They meet Sunday afternoons at the University Settlement.
The Julia Herzl Zion Club are now meeting at the Austro-Hungarian Zionist Hall on Pitt street. Meetings are held every Sunday afternoon, at which a study is made of Hebrew and the Bible.
CINCINNATI, Ohio.
The Sons of Zion are interesting themselves in the formation of a sister organization.
SYRACUSE, N. Y.
The Junior Kadimah has just held their annual meeting. Efforts are now being made to form a library of Jewish and Zionistic books.
JERSEY City, N. J.
The Sons of Zion at a mass-meeting held in March succeeded in organizing a circle of