Masada vs. Yavneh

Divergent Jewish Responses to Roman Tyranny

The last stand of Masada's defenders in the year 73 CE has resonated strongly with many modern Israeli's, but at the same time there were Jews who believed the revolt against Rome was imprudent. What lay behind the clamoring for revolt and why did others oppose it? Why did the people at Masada continue fighting even after Jerusalem was destroyed? By judicious use of sources, we paint a stunning picture of this great debate that had grave consequences for the rest of Jewish history.