I suspect that the Romans were given much of their legendary history by external agents. Much of what is doled out to school children in America about America is bowdlerized so that fewer of them will resist the draft and more will volunteer for military service.

Much of Jewish culture comes from its surroundings. Egypt supplied circumcision, Babylon supplied the Deluge, and Persia supplied heroism.

I disagree that Jews have gotten over sexism, racism, and homophobia.