Ezra & Nehemiah

During his inaugural year as Persian monarch, Cyrus the Great dispatched a written proclamation to the Jewish exiles under his dominion:

The God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a temple for Him in Jerusalem. Any of his people may go up to Jerusalem in Judah to build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel. And in any place where survivors may now be living, the people of Persia are to provide them with silver, gold, goods, livestock, and offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem. - Ezra 1:2-4.

Years afterwards, during Artaxerxes' twentieth year of rule, the sovereign observed melancholy in his cupbearer, Nehemiah. Upon inquiring about his troubled appearance, Nehemiah answered:

May the king live forever! Why should I not look sad when the city of my ancestors lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire? If it pleases you, and if I have found favor in your sight, let me go to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I may rebuild it. - Nehemiah 2:3-5

The objective of Ezra and Nehemiah is to emerge as the player with the highest victory points (VP) when the game concludes. Points are primarily earned through temple construction, city wall and gate restoration, and Torah instruction to returning exiles. Players can additionally choose to cultivate their territory, venture to settlements beyond the city walls, or maintain the altar's perpetual flame. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah will continue their role in maintaining the people's focus on essential matters.

Throughout three weeks (rounds), players will utilise their card hands, workers, and resources to contribute to Jerusalem's reconstruction. Following six days of labour comes a Sabbath rest day requiring food provisions, during which the week's achievements are evaluated. The game concludes after the third Sabbath's completion.