Second Temple Judaism

Second Temple Judaism refers to the Jewish religion as it developed during the Second Temple period, which began with the construction of the Second Temple in Persian Judah around 516 BCE and ended with the destruction of Jerusalem amidst the First Jewish–Roman War in 70 CE. This period was marked by the emergence of multiple religious currents as well as extensive cultural, religious, and political developments among the Jewish people. 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—initially as a Jewish sect, but eventually as a distinct religion in its own right. According to Jewish tradition, authentic prophecy (נְבוּאָה, Nevu'ah) ceased during the early years of the Second Temple period, leaving religious 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 Jewish spiritual affairs. The late Second Temple period saw the emergence of several Jewish schools or groups. The Pharisees, as one influential group, included members from both the priesthood and the general population, and believed both the Written Torah and ancestral traditions were equally binding. The Sadducees, consisting...