It is too bad that the period that should define Jewishness--the Biblical golden age--is instead associated with another religion. Let it never be forgotten that Jews practiced slavery (both `avdut `Ivri and `avdut Kena`an), polygyny, concubinage, "genocide" (when commanded by G-d), and holy wars.
The establishment of Israel should have reversed this liberal image of Jewry. Unfortunately, the Jewish State itself is still often resented as a manifestation of "Jewish liberalism" and defended on liberal, enlightenment grounds.
How will the rebuilt Holy Temple be interpreted, I wonder?
It's interesting isn't it? What makes it even more of a coup for the yankees is that some that call on the Confederate cause actually believe it. I just love telling those morons about Judah Benjamin and the fact that the only full Jewish military cemetary outside of Israel is for Confederate soldiers in Richmond, VA