Second Temple Judaism

Second Temple Judaism comprises the diverse Jewish religious traditions and practices from the Temple’s reconstruction in Jerusalem, conventionally dated to 516 BCE, until its destruction by Rome in 70 CE.

Second Temple: The Jewish temple in Jerusalem rebuilt after the Babylonian exile and destroyed by Roman forces in 70 CE. Its worship and institutions organized religious life throughout the period.
Jerusalem Temple: The sanctuary in Jerusalem where priests performed sacrifices and major festivals were observed. Its sacrificial calendar centered worship for Judeans and pilgrims.
Pharisees: A Jewish movement known for interpreting the Torah and developing traditions later influential in rabbinic Judaism. Their interpretive practices helped shape forms of Judaism that survived 70 CE.
Siege of Jerusalem (70 CE): The Roman siege that captured Jerusalem and destroyed its Second Temple during the First Jewish–Roman War. The siege ended Temple sacrifice and forced communities to adapt.
Hebrew Bible: The collection of sacred Jewish writings that developed over centuries and became foundational to Judaism. Communities interpreted these writings while their canon and authority took shape.
Kohanim: The hereditary Jewish priestly class traditionally descended from Aaron. Priests administered Temple rites and guarded its sacred boundaries.
Sadducees: A Jewish group associated with the priestly elite and the Jerusalem Temple in the late Second Temple period. Their fortunes were closely tied to Temple institutions.
Rabbinic Judaism: The form of Judaism developed by rabbis through interpretation of scripture, law, and inherited tradition. Rabbinic institutions and teachings became central after the Temple’s destruction.
Persian period: The era of Persian rule over the Near East, including Judah, from the sixth to fourth centuries BCE. Persian rule framed the Temple’s reconstruction and early institutions.
Sanhedrin: A Jewish council associated with legal and political authority in ancient Judea. Later sources depict councils exercising authority amid competing institutions.

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