Second Temple

105.The Rebuilding of the Temple Is Begun

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הסטיו המלכותי, The Royal Stoa

Second Temple

The Second Temple was the Jewish holy temple, which stood on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, between 516 BCE and 70 CE. It replaced Solomon's Temple (the First Temple), which was destroyed by the Neo-Babylonian Empire in 586 BCE, when they conquered the Kingdom of Judah. The Second Temple served as the religious focal point for Judaism and was the primary place of worship and sacrifice until its destruction by the Roman Empire.

Construction

The construction of the Second Temple was authorized by Cyrus the Great of the Achaemenid Empire after the fall of Babylon. The construction began in 538 BCE, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, a governor appointed by the Persian king. Despite facing opposition from neighboring peoples, the temple was completed in 516 BCE, marking the end of the Jewish exile in Babylon.

Second Temple Period

The Second Temple period is marked by significant developments in Jewish religious life. The era saw the emergence of various Jewish sects, including the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes, each with its own interpretation of Jewish law and tradition. The period was also characterized by the compilation of important Jewish texts, notably the Mishnah and parts of the Hebrew Bible.

Herod's Renovation

In 20 BCE, Herod the Great embarked on a massive renovation project, which transformed the Second Temple into one of the most magnificent buildings of its time. Herod expanded the Temple Mount, reinforced the courtyards, and added magnificent new structures, including the Royal Stoa. Despite Herod's enhancements, the temple retained its original function as the center of Jewish worship and sacrifice.

Destruction

The Second Temple was destroyed by the Roman Empire in 70 CE, following a Jewish revolt. The destruction of the temple was a catastrophic event for the Jewish people, leading to the dispersal of the Jewish population and the beginning of the Jewish Diaspora. Today, the only remaining part of the temple is the Western Wall, which is considered the holiest site in Judaism.

Significance

The Second Temple holds immense religious and historical significance. It is remembered as a symbol of Jewish resilience and faith. The annual fast day of Tisha B'Av commemorates the destruction of both the First and Second Temples. The hope for the construction of a Third Temple is a deeply held desire within certain Jewish communities, reflecting the enduring importance of the Temple in Jewish thought and tradition.

See Also

• First Temple
• Temple Mount
• Western Wall
• Jewish history
• History of Jerusalem

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