96 Sotah 9/9-11

(9) When murderers multiplied, the [ceremony of] breaking a heifer’s neck ceased. From the time that Eliezer ben Dinai came, and he was also called Tehinah ben Perisha and he was afterwards renamed “son of the murderer”. When adulterers multiplied, the ceremony of the bitter waters ceased and it was Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai who discontinued it, as it is said, “I will not punish their daughters for fornicating, nor their daughters-in-law for committing adultery, for they themselves [turn aside with whores and sacrifice with prostitutes]” (Hosea 4:14). When Yose ben Yoezer of Zeredah and Yose ben Yohanan of Jerusalem died, the grape-clusters ceased, as it is said, “There is not a cluster [of grapes] to eat; not a ripe fig I could desire [The pious are vanished from the land, none upright are left among men]” (Micah 7:1-2).

(10) Yohanan the high priest brought to an end the confession made over the tithe. He also discontinued the wakers and the knockers. Up to his days the hammer used to strike in Jerusalem, and in his days there was no need to inquire about doubtfully tithed produce.

(11) When the Sanhedrin [highest court, charged with deciding cases and appeals that had national significance. It was comprised of 71 scholars who had received the full traditional rabbinical ordination, and its decisions fixed Jewish practice for subsequent generations.] ceased, song ceased from the places of feasting, as it is said, “They drink their wine without song” (Isaiah 24:9).