flourished 4th century BC, Babylon and Jerusalem
Jewish religious leader and reformer.
He restored the Jewish community after its exile in Babylon , persuading the people of Judah to return to a strict observance of Mosaic law. He served as a commissioner of the Persian government, which was tolerant of other religions but required order and authority. His efforts led to a restoration of traditional worship in the rebuilt Temple of Jerusalem and the dissolution of all mixed marriages. For creating a Jewish community based on the Law, which could exist without political statehood, he is often considered the founder of modern Judaism . His story is told in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah .