For those like Ezra, such a situation threatened the very survival of the nation and faith itself. However, in addition to the idea of the "imperiled nation" embedded in the Jewish psyche during the time (and, perhaps during modern time as well), it also pointed to the lax state of Jewish life and ritual in Jerusalem during this period -- as well as the turmoil that must have existed at the time these reforms were implemented.
Although it might be imagined that at the very lease the social reform concerning mixed marriages would result in emotional turmoil -- it also resulted in real danger. This is because following his declaration that mixed marriage should be immediately dissolved, the Samaritans and other involved groups were understandably offended to a degree in which violent attack against the Jewish community became a real possibility. As a result, Ezra decided to embark on rebuilding the city walls (WUJH, 2004). However, this act was not in Ezra's Persian-granted authority, and he was ordered to stop issuing such orders (WUJH). Obviously, again, this points to the difficult position of Jerusalem Jews under Persian rule. However, soon after the Persian order to stop building, Nehemiah arrived in 445 BCE, ordered and completed the walls in 52 days, not only in the face of Persian authority, but any other enemies of the Jewish society.
Soon after this, Ezra and Nehemiah joined together in a New Year's day ceremony on 445 BCE. Three weeks later, a day of fasting was proclaimed, and the community pledged to live "in absolute accordance with the Torah. (WUJH)" as a result of this pledge, Ezra and the Great Assembly began to agree on formulae for Jewish worship practices. These formulae governed everything from methods of prayer (both within the precincts of the Temple, as well as in private. Further, it was during this time that...
However, during the time that the Temple remained, the hereditary priests still conducted the main requirements and ceremonies of the Jewish community in and around Jerusalem (Donnel).
Although comparably little is known about Jewish life in Jerusalem during the time surrounding 450 BCE, the reforms and reestablishment of a "theocratic" style of strict Jewish observance point to a certain zealous atmosphere. Of course, this period directly resulted in much of the legal and worship legacies that affect the Jewish religion in the present day. However, it is obvious that aside from an atmosphere of intense devotion to the future of the community under the Covenant, there was also much turmoil and danger surrounding these changes. Although they certainly laid the framework for a continuing vibrancy (and existence) of the Jewish faith, there most certainly was an atmosphere of danger and treat from outside pressures, forces, and communities that made life difficult nonetheless.
Bibliography
Bible Web. "Ezra and Nehemiah." 2004. Retrieved from Web site on October 2, 2004 http://www.bibleweb.org/BibleOverview/bo12.htm
Donnel, J. Rabbi. "What Does God Pray?" (2004) Web site. Retrieved on October 2, 2004 http://www.tbsoc.com/sermons/donnellyk5763.html
Mechon Mamre. "Ezra / Nehemiah -- translated from the Hebrew Bible" 2004. Retrieved from Web site on October 2, 2004 http://www.mechon-mamre.org/e/et/et35.htm
Medial, D. "Ezra." Web Page. 2002. Retrieved from Web site on October 2, 2004, from http://www.medialdea.net/historyguy80538/ezrajerus.htm
World Union of Jewish Studies. "The Restoration: 5th Century BCE." http://www.wujs.org.il/activist/learning/judaism/restoration.shtml
