By Rabbi Ken Gibbs - Congregation Yeshuat Yisrael

These years in Israel’s history were a time ofgreat struggle both politically and spiritually.The Northern Kingdom of Israelwas deteriorating politically, spiritually, andmilitarily and finally fell to the Assyrian Empire in722 b.c.The Southern Kingdom of Judahlooked as though it too would collapse and fall toAssyria, but it withstood the attack.