The year AD 70 is significant for Judaism due to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Roman Empire. This event, known as the Siege of Jerusalem, marked a crucial turning point in Jewish history:
1. Loss of the Second Temple: The Second Temple was the central religious and cultural hub of Judaism. Its destruction had profound implications for Jewish worship, practices, and identity.
2. Diaspora and dispersion: Following the destruction of the Temple, many Jews were either killed or dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. This forced migration led to the Jewish diaspora, where Jews settled in various regions outside of Israel.
3. Shift in religious practices: With the Temple gone, Judaism underwent significant changes in its religious practices. The focus shifted towards synagogues as places of worship and study, and the development of rabbinic Judaism became more prominent.
4. The beginning of Rabbinic Judaism: The period after AD 70 saw the rise of Rabbinic Judaism, where rabbis played a central role in interpreting Jewish law and traditions. This era laid the foundation for the development of modern Judaism as we know it today.
In summary, the year AD 70 marked a pivotal moment for Judaism, leading to changes in religious practices, the diaspora of Jewish communities, and the emergence of Rabbinic Judaism as a dominant force in Jewish life and thought.
