Final answer:
The Hebrews maintained cohesion after their exile from Canaan by maintaining religious and cultural practices, compiling and adhering to the Torah, and through the centralization of monotheistic worship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Hebrews maintained cohesion after their exile from Canaan by maintaining religious and cultural practices. In the period of the Babylonian exile, some Judeans assimilated into the local culture while others focused on preserving their distinctive identity through the validation of the Hebrew Bible and adherence to religious customs such as dietary laws, marriage ceremonies, and the study of sacred texts. The compilation of the Torah into a single text by the prophet Ezra, and the careful replication of its content by rabbis, helped create a 'mobile tradition' of Judaism, enabling the Hebrews to retain their unique identity despite being away from their homeland. This cohesion and religious identity were reinforced by the monotheistic worship of Yahweh, which became increasingly centralized in the temple at Jerusalem. The Prophetic Movement also played a significant role during this period by advocating for an exclusive worship of Yahweh and emphasizing a special covenant between Yahweh and the Hebrews. These practices solidified the social and religious bonds within the Hebrew community, enabling them to survive as a distinct people.