why might it have been important for partisans to preserve Jewish culture?

Answer 1

The largest and most influential group of Jewish partisans were the Maccabees (ca. 300 BC). They were followed during the Second Temple period by the Zealots. The Maccabees were successful while the Zealots ultimately were destroyed in Jerusalem and Masada. The important thing to realize, however, is that both groups formed during a time of military occupation, first by Alexander the Great's forces, and then by the forces of Rome. Both occupying forces attempted to destroy Jewish religious practices in order to gain control of the people, and the forming of the Maccabees and Zealots were in direct response to this. They were essentially the last line of defense in the country for continuing the Jewish religious culture. Of course, much of Jewish culture was also carried on through other private channels, but the Maccabees especially were an important bulwark against enemies of Jewish culture.