Final answer:
Ezra and Nehemiah are key figures in the Hebrew Bible, known for their roles in religious reform and the rebuilding of the Jewish community and Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Ezra focused on reinstating the Torah, while Nehemiah rebuilt the city's walls and improved the governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two crucial components of Ezra and Nehemiah are the emphasis on religious reform and the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Ezra and Nehemiah, both books of the Hebrew Bible, describe the challenges and efforts faced by the Jews when they returned to their homeland.
Ezra was a priest and scribe who led the second wave of Jews returning from Babylon. His main contribution lies in enforcing the observance of the Torah and strengthening Jewish identity by discouraging intermarriage with surrounding peoples. Nehemiah, serving as governor, was instrumental in the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, but his work also strengthened the community's social structure and adherence to their covenant with God.
Both men played significant roles in the phase of Jewish restoration, with Ezra focusing on religious and social reforms, and Nehemiah on infrastructural and political improvements. Together, they stand as pivotal figures in reestablishing the Hebrew community and its religious practices upon their return from exile.