Second Temple Period

Definition

The Second Temple Period refers to the time in Jewish history from the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem around 516 BCE until its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE. This era was marked by significant religious, political, and cultural developments that shaped Judaism and laid the groundwork for the emergence of Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Temple was initially built after the Babylonian exile, serving as a central place of worship for the Jewish people and a symbol of their national identity.
2. During this period, various Jewish sects emerged, including Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes, each with different beliefs and practices regarding law and worship.
3. The Second Temple Period saw the compilation of significant texts that would later form part of the Hebrew Bible, including portions of the Tanakh.
4. Major events during this time included the Roman conquest of Judea and the subsequent governance by Herod the Great, who expanded and renovated the Second Temple.
5. The destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to shifts in religious practices and the rise of synagogues as centers of community life.

Review Questions

• How did the rebuilding of the Second Temple influence Jewish religious practices during its period?
  • The rebuilding of the Second Temple significantly revitalized Jewish religious practices by restoring a central place for sacrifices and pilgrimage festivals. It also reinforced communal identity among Jews and facilitated the collection and preservation of religious texts. Additionally, it served as a focal point for various Jewish groups who sought to define their beliefs around this sacred site.
• Evaluate how different Jewish sects that emerged during the Second Temple Period contributed to diverse interpretations of Judaism.
  • The emergence of different Jewish sects such as Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes contributed to a rich tapestry of religious thought within Judaism during the Second Temple Period. Each sect offered unique interpretations regarding the Torah, rituals, and societal roles. This diversity paved the way for ongoing theological debates and ultimately influenced Rabbinic Judaism's development after the temple's destruction.
• Assess the long-term implications of the destruction of the Second Temple on Jewish identity and religious practice.
  • The destruction of the Second Temple had profound long-term implications for Jewish identity and practice. It marked a transition from temple-centric worship to practices centered around synagogues and rabbinic teachings. The loss instigated a re-evaluation of Jewish law and community life, ultimately leading to the formation of Rabbinic Judaism. This shift ensured that Jewish traditions could be maintained even in diaspora, fundamentally reshaping how Judaism would evolve in subsequent centuries.

Related terms

Zionism:

A nationalist movement that emerged in the late 19th century advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, rooted in the historical connection to Jerusalem and the Temple.

Maccabean Revolt: A Jewish uprising against the Seleucid Empire led by the Maccabee family, which resulted in the rededication of the Second Temple and the establishment of an independent Jewish state.

Rabbinic Judaism: The form of Judaism that emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple, emphasizing the role of rabbis and oral law, which became central to Jewish life and practice.