The destruction of the Temple can refer to the destruction of either of the two Temples that stood in Jerusalem in the ancient period. The First Temple, built by King Solomon, as described in the book of I Kings, was destroyed in 586 BCE by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. The Second Temple, built approximately 70 years after the destruction of the first, was destroyed in 70 CE by the Roman Empire.
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Destruction of the First TempleTANAKH
Destruction of the First Temple
TANAKH
The first of the two Temples was destroyed, together with the city of Jerusalem, in 586 BCE. The description in II Kings depicts the burning and looting of the Temple and the surrounding city.
Destruction of the Second TempleSECOND TEMPLE
Destruction of the Second Temple
SECOND TEMPLE
The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE. In The Jewish Wars, composed just a few years after the destruction of the Temple, first-century Roman-Jewish historian Josephus writes of the experience of the Jewish population under Roman assault.
The Gates Are ClosedTALMUD
The Gates Are Closed
TALMUD
The destruction of the Temple had serious theological ramifications in Judaism. In this passage, the Talmud seeks to understand how a person might access God in the absence of the Temple.
Destruction of the Second TempleSECOND TEMPLE
Destruction of the Second Temple
SECOND TEMPLE
The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE. In The Jewish Wars, composed just a few years after the destruction of the Temple, first-century Roman-Jewish historian Josephus writes of the experience of the Jewish population under Roman assault.
A New RealityMISHNAH
A New Reality
MISHNAH
The Temple had long been the central civic, political, and religious institution of Jewish life, and society had to adapt after it was destroyed. The mishnah below records just one example of how things changed when the Temple no longer existed.
In Remembrance of the TempleTALMUD
In Remembrance of the Temple
TALMUD
With the absence of the physical Temple, numerous rituals serving as a “remembrance of the Temple” were instituted. The Talmud discusses the rituals, some of which are still practiced today.
The Book of LamentationsTANAKH
The Book of Lamentations
TANAKH
With intense and emotional imagery and language, the Book of Lamentations is a collection of poetry about the events surrounding the destruction of the First Temple in the 6th century BCE. It is customarily read in synagogues in observance of Tisha B’Av, the fast day commemorating the destruction of the Temple.
Where is God’s Home?MIDRASH
Where is God’s Home?
MIDRASH
In biblical sources, the Temple is presented as God’s home. This work of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus asks the question “Where is God?” in light of the destruction of the Temple.
When the Temple was DestroyedMISHNAH
When the Temple was Destroyed
MISHNAH
The destruction of the Temple signified a dramatic change in Jewish life and social order. The Mishnah details the societal changes that took place after the destruction of the Second Temple.
Remembering a LeaderMIDRASH
Remembering a Leader
MIDRASH
Gedaliah ben Achikam was appointed governor of Judah by the Babylonians after the destruction of the First Temple. This midrash explains the connections between his assassination and the destruction of the Temple.
Fasting to Remember TragediesSECOND TEMPLE
Fasting to Remember Tragedies
SECOND TEMPLE
Rabbinic sources record many fast days that commemorate tragic events in Jewish history, including those surrounding the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. This first century work, called Megillat Ta’anit, provides a comprehensive list of fast days.
The Inner Work of RebuildingCHASIDUT
The Inner Work of Rebuilding
CHASIDUT
The story of the destruction of the Temple came to symbolize much more than a physical reality. Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin (19th century, Poland) frames the destruction and hopeful reconstruction of the Temple as a model for an individual’s spiritual growth.
Spiritual MotivationMUSAR
Spiritual Motivation
MUSAR
Why does Jewish tradition focus so heavily on painful memories like the destruction of the Temple? According to Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (18th century, Italy), remembering the destruction of the Temple can inspire a person to be more passionate about redemption.
