Second Temple Judaism

The period between the construction of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem in 515 B.C.E. and its destruction by the Romans in 70 C.E. witnessed major historical upheavals and significant religious changes that would affect most subsequent Western (or Abrahamic ) religions. The origins of the authority of scripture , of the centrality of law and morality in religion , of the synagogue and of apocalyptic expectations for the future all developed in the Judaism of this period.

Second Temple Judaism refers to the religion of Judaism during the Second Temple period , between the construction of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem in 515 BCE, and its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE . This period witnessed major historical upheavals and significant religious changes that would affect not only Judaism but also Christianity (which calls it the Intertestamental period ). The origins of the authority of scripture , of the centrality of law and morality in religion , of the synagogue and of apocalyptic expectations for the future all developed in the Judaism of this period.

Judaism between the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, c. 515 BCE, and its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE Second Temple Judaism is Judaism between the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, c. 515 BCE, and its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE . The development of the Hebrew Bible canon , the synagogue , Jewish apocalyptic expectations for the future , and the rise of Christianity can all be traced to the Second Temple period .

Jewish religion between 516 BCE and 70 CE Second Temple Judaism is the Jewish religion as it developed during the Second Temple period , which began with the construction of the Second Temple around 516 BCE and ended with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. This period was marked by the emergence of multiple religious currents as well as extensive cultural, religious, and political developments among Jews . It saw the progression of the Hebrew Bible canon , the synagogue , and Jewish eschatology . Additionally, the rise of Christianity began in the final years of the Second Temple period. According to Jewish tradition, authentic prophecy ( נְבוּאָה , Nevu'ah ) ceased during the early years of the Second Temple period; this left Jews without their version of divine guidance at a time when they felt most in need of support and direction. Under Hellenistic rule , the growing Hellenization of Judaism became a source of resentment among Jewish traditionalists who clung to strict monotheistic beliefs . Opposition to Hellenistic influence on Jewish religious and cultural practices was a major catalyst for the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire . Following the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty , traditional Judaism was reasserted by the Maccabees across the Land of Israel as they expanded their independent territory. The later years of the Second Temple period saw the development of several Jewish messianic ideas . From c. 170 BCE to 30 CE, five successive generations of the Zugot headed the Jews' spiritual affairs. The late Second Temple period saw the emergence of several Jewish schools or groups. The Pharisees , a respected and influential group, believed both the Written Torah and ancestral traditions were equally binding and included members from both the priesthood and the general population. The Sadducees , consisting of high priests and aristocrats, rejected the resurrection of the dead . The Essenes criticized the temple's practices, deeming the priests illegitimate and the rituals flawed. They expected a victory of good over evil, with some members choosing to live in isolation. Nonetheless, most Jews were not affiliated with any particular group and practiced common traditions such as observing the Shabbat , celebrating holidays , attending synagogue , making pilgrimages to the Temple , following dietary laws , and circumcising their newborn males. After the Temple's destruction in 70 CE, Judaism shifted away from temple-based rituals, including sacrificial worship , and adapted to a new framework without its sacred center. Jewish sectarianism disappeared, while the Pharisees, later succeeded by the rabbis, emerged as the leading force. This transition focused on Torah observance , ethical deeds , communal prayer , and rabbinical law , giving rise to Rabbinic Judaism , the dominant form since late antiquity. Pagan Rome and the Early Christians .