THE FALL OF BEITAR
In what year was the city of Beitar destroyed?
How did the city of Beitar fall? Due to what sin was it destroyed?
BAR KOCHBA
We know from the Yerushalmi that the city of Beitar was the stronghold of Bar Kochba. but did Bar Kochba gain control over Yerushalayim as well?
How did the Chachamim view Bar Kochba? Why did Rabbi Akiva view him as Mashiach?
1. Rabbi Landy's lecture for Gitin 57 from 16:00
2. Marei Mekomos for lecture on Gitin 57 section 3.1
3. Marei Mekomos for lecture on Gitin 57 section 5.1, til 5.2
What happened in the aftermath of Bar Kochba's failed revolt?
By what name do the Chachamim know Bar Kochba? Was it pejorative? What was his proper name?
THE TRAGEDY
How many Jews were killed in Beitar? In what terms do our Sages describe the vast numbers of Jews living in Eretz Yisrael prior to the Churban, and their prosperity?
What did the city of Beitar represent? Why does the Gemara make special mention of their Tefilin?
NAME
Was the name of the city pronounced Beisar (with a Sav) or Beitar (a Tav with a Dagesh)? What does the name mean?
