[PapaBear3625]

I could simplify this argument. Culture and social conditions, over time, influence natural selection. Jews are an excellent example of this in several ways. For example, culturally Jews admire education, and they have a rare cultural acceptance of “good ideas”, no matter *who* thinks them up. Even if their hated enemy has a good idea, they may just adopt it for their own use. Over many generations this has led to intellectualism being an admired trait, resulting in reproductive preference.

In Europe, during the Middle Ages, Jews were, to a large extent, excluded from owning land or being farmers. They made their livings mostly from trading, moneylending, and skilled crafts -- trades where stupid people are at a big disadvantage. The smart ones were able to keep their families fed, the stupid ones died out. Evolution in action.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Yes, but culturally, it began long before then.

From the 11th Century BC to 722 BC, when Israel fell, though the Kingdom of Judah and several city states continued. They finally fell in 586 BC.

The Hebrews adopted some of the better Philistine and Phoenician ideas, and several Biblical tales are clearly based on mythology outside of their region.

In any event through the various diaspora, the Jews kept up the traditions, as they do today. External pressures may certainly have augmented it, but it was already there.