Second Temple Judaism

Definition

Second Temple Judaism refers to the religious and cultural practices of the Jewish people during the period from the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple in 516 BCE until its destruction in 70 CE. This era was marked by significant developments in Jewish thought, law, and identity, reflecting the complexities of living under various foreign dominions and the interactions with surrounding cultures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Temple was originally constructed in 516 BCE and underwent significant renovations under Herod the Great in the first century BCE, becoming a center of Jewish worship and identity.
2. During this time, various Jewish sects emerged, including Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots, each with distinct beliefs and practices that contributed to the diversity of Jewish thought.
3. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered near Qumran, provide crucial insights into the beliefs and practices of certain Jewish groups during this period, showcasing their views on scripture and community life.
4. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE by the Romans marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, leading to the development of Rabbinic Judaism as a response to the loss of centralized worship.
5. Second Temple Judaism saw a growing emphasis on personal piety, ethics, and community, laying foundational ideas that would shape later Jewish religious thought.

Review Questions

• How did the political environment during Second Temple Judaism influence religious practices and community structures?
  • The political environment during Second Temple Judaism was complex, with varying foreign dominions exerting influence over Judea. This led to a diverse range of religious practices as different groups adapted to external pressures while maintaining their identity. The emergence of various sects like Pharisees and Sadducees illustrates how communities responded to political changes, with some advocating for strict adherence to traditional laws while others sought integration with Hellenistic culture.
• Discuss the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls in understanding Second Temple Judaism and its diverse sects.
  • The Dead Sea Scrolls are essential for understanding Second Temple Judaism as they offer unique insights into the beliefs and practices of the Essenes, one of the sects from this era. These texts reveal interpretations of Jewish law, messianic expectations, and communal living that differed from mainstream practices. The scrolls serve as a window into a vibrant religious landscape where various groups wrestled with their faith amid political turmoil and cultural exchanges.
• Evaluate how the destruction of the Second Temple reshaped Jewish identity and practice in subsequent generations.
  • The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE was a transformative event that forced Jews to redefine their identity and religious practices. With the central place of worship gone, emphasis shifted towards synagogues and community-based worship led by rabbis. This shift laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism, which focused on study, ethics, and prayer rather than sacrifice, ultimately influencing how Jewish life would evolve in diaspora communities around the world.

Related terms

Hasmonean Dynasty: A ruling dynasty of Judea during the Second Temple period, established after the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire, noted for its expansion and political independence.

Pharisees: A prominent Jewish sect during Second Temple Judaism known for their emphasis on oral traditions and interpretations of the Torah, which later influenced Rabbinic Judaism.

Hellenism: The spread of Greek culture and influence across the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East, which significantly impacted Jewish life, thought, and practices during the Second Temple period.