Second Temple

Definition

The Second Temple refers to the reconstructed temple in Jerusalem that stood from 516 BCE until its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE. This temple was significant for the Jewish people as it represented a renewed focus on worship, community, and identity after the Babylonian Exile, serving as the center of Jewish religious life and practice during its existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Temple was built on the site of the First Temple and was completed around 516 BCE after the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon.
2. During the Second Temple period, Judaism underwent significant transformations, including the development of various sects like the Pharisees and Sadducees.
3. The temple was a key location for Jewish pilgrimage during major religious festivals, with many Jews traveling to Jerusalem for worship and sacrifices.
4. In 70 CE, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple during the Siege of Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish history that led to the shift toward Rabbinic Judaism.
5. The destruction of the Second Temple has had lasting effects on Jewish identity and religious practice, leading to an emphasis on synagogue worship and Torah study.

Review Questions

• How did the construction of the Second Temple impact Jewish religious practices after the Babylonian Exile?
  • The construction of the Second Temple provided a central place for Jewish worship and ritual, allowing for the continuation and revitalization of religious practices that had been disrupted during the Babylonian Exile. It became a focal point for sacrifices, festivals, and communal gatherings, thereby fostering a sense of identity and unity among Jews. The temple's existence marked a return to religious normalcy and played a crucial role in shaping post-exilic Jewish life.
• Discuss the significance of Herod's renovation of the Second Temple and its effects on Jewish society at that time.
  • Herod's renovation of the Second Temple transformed it into one of the most magnificent structures of its time, significantly enhancing its size and beauty. This expansion not only demonstrated Herod's political power but also sought to legitimize his rule among the Jewish populace. The grandeur of Herod's Temple attracted increased pilgrimage and commerce in Jerusalem, fostering economic activity while also deepening religious sentiments within Jewish society.
• Evaluate the consequences of the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE for Judaism and its practice in subsequent centuries.
  • The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE fundamentally altered Judaism, leading to a transition from temple-centric worship to Rabbinic Judaism focused on study and prayer. This shift resulted in synagogues becoming central places of worship, as Jews sought to maintain their religious identity without a temple. The loss also intensified longing for national sovereignty and spiritual redemption, which have persisted throughout Jewish history, shaping communal practices and beliefs in profound ways.

Related terms

Babylonian Exile:

The period during which a significant number of Jews were taken captive to Babylon after the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE, leading to profound changes in Jewish culture and religion.

Herod's Temple: A major renovation and expansion of the Second Temple carried out by King Herod the Great, which significantly enhanced its grandeur and size before its eventual destruction.

Temple Mount: The elevated platform in Jerusalem where both the First and Second Temples were built, holding deep religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.