Second Temple
After the First Temple (Beit Hamikdash) was destroyed by the Babylonians and the Jews went into exile, the Second Temple (Bayit Sheni) was built by returning exiles with the permission of the new Persian rulers. It was not nearly as elaborate as the First Temple.
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Divine Encouragement for RebuildingTANAKH
Divine Encouragement for Rebuilding
TANAKH
The rebuilding of the Second Temple was a monumental task that required divine encouragement and prophetic support. The Book of Zechariah, one of the Twelve Minor Prophets, offers words of encouragement and divine assurance to those involved in the foundational efforts of rebuilding the Second Temple.
Ominous Signs Before the Temple's DestructionTALMUD
Ominous Signs Before the Temple's Destruction
TALMUD
The ominous signs and omens that occurred during the forty years prior to the Temple's destruction served as a powerful reminder of its impending doom. The Talmudic tractate Yoma recounts these signs, including the lot for God not arising in the High Priest’s right hand, the crimson wool not turning white, the westernmost lamp not burning continually, and the Sanctuary doors opening by themselves.
Corruption Among the High PriestsMIDRASH
Corruption Among the High Priests
MIDRASH
The High Priests of the Second Temple period were often corrupt, acquiring their positions through money and sorcery, leading to moral decline. The fifth-century midrashic commentary, Vayikra Rabbah, contrasts the integrity of the High Priests in the First Temple with the corruption in the Second Temple.
From Fasts to Feasts and Back AgainHALAKHAH
From Fasts to Feasts and Back Again
HALAKHAH
The transformation of the four fasts into joyous holidays and their reversion to fasts highlights the dynamic nature of Jewish observance. Rabbi Eliezer Melamed’s contemporary work, Peninei Halakhah, provides a thorough and accessible presentation of these historical and halakhic changes.
Ensuring the High Priest's Proper ServiceGUIDES
Ensuring the High Priest's Proper Service
GUIDES
The High Priest's performance of the Yom Kippur service was crucial, yet often compromised by lack of expertise or adherence to deviant sects. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz explores the measures taken by the Sages to ensure the High Priest performed the Yom Kippur service correctly during the Second Temple period.
Miracles of the Second Temple EraHALAKHAH
Miracles of the Second Temple Era
HALAKHAH
The story of Chanukah, with its miraculous events and divine intervention, highlights the resilience and faith of the Jewish people during the era of the Second Temple. The Kitzur Shulchan Arukh recounts the historical events leading to the celebration of Chanukah, including the victory of the Hasmoneans and the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.
The Architecture of the TempleMISHNAH
The Architecture of the Temple
MISHNAH
The Mishnah provides a rare and detailed description of the Temple's architecture, offering insights into its historical and religious significance. Mishnah Middot 2:3 meticulously details the measurements and unique features of the Temple, including the gates and their historical importance.
From Glory to RuinMUSAR
From Glory to Ruin
MUSAR
The period from Shimon Hatzaddik to the Temple's destruction saw a significant spiritual decline, marked by the diminishing presence of the Holy Spirit and the editing of the last Books of the Bible. Rabbi Isaiah HaLevi Horowitz, in his 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, explores the spiritual decline during this era.
Herod's Magnificent TempleSECOND TEMPLE
Herod's Magnificent Temple
SECOND TEMPLE
Herod's reconstruction of the Second Temple was a monumental architectural achievement and a significant event in Jewish history. Josephus, a Jewish-Roman historian, provides a detailed account of Herod's efforts to enhance the Second Temple, making it more magnificent and larger than before.
Support for the Second TempleCOMMENTARY
Support for the Second Temple
COMMENTARY
The rebuilding of the Second Temple was supported not only by the Jews building it but also by diaspora Jewish communities and non-Jews. Rashi, the renowned medieval French rabbi, explains the communal and non-Jewish contributions to the Jews returning from Babylonian exile to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
Was the Rebuilt Temple Taller?TALMUD
Was the Rebuilt Temple Taller?
TALMUD
The sages debated whether the rebuilt Temple was physically taller than the original, based on the interpretation of a verse from Haggai. The Gemara in Bava Batra discusses this debate, providing insights into the rabbinic interpretation of biblical texts.
Divine Favor in the Second TempleTARGUM
Divine Favor in the Second Temple
TARGUM
The divine intervention and favor in the construction of the Second Temple highlight God's direct involvement in the process. The Aramaic Targum to Song of Songs, an interpretive translation and commentary, recounts the historical context of the Babylonian exile and the return to Jerusalem, highlighting key figures and events.
Reestablishing the Priestly WatchesTALMUD
Reestablishing the Priestly Watches
TALMUD
The reorganization of the priestly watches after the Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in the reestablishment of Jewish religious life. The Talmudic tractate Taanit details how the returning priests were divided into twenty-four watches, with the watch of Jedaiah given precedence.
The Fall of the Jewish TempleHALAKHAH
The Fall of the Jewish Temple
HALAKHAH
The destruction of the Jewish Temple by the Romans in 70 CE was a pivotal event that reshaped Jewish practice and diaspora. Rabbi Sharon Shalom's work explores the historical and cultural impact of this event, particularly on the Beta Israel community of Ethiopian Jews.
