Rabbinic period
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The Rabbinic period, spanning from the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE until the Muslim conquest in 638 CE, [1] marks a significant era in Jewish history closely aligned with the Talmudic period. This era emerged in response to the catastrophic loss of the Temple and the upheaval of Jewish life, as traditional religious and social structures were decimated. The destruction of the Temple and subsequent Roman measures, such as the Fiscus Judaicus tax and land confiscation, severely impacted the Jewish community. However, Judaism endured through the establishment of new centers of scholarship and leadership, notably at Yavneh under Yohanan ben Zakkai, who promoted a focus on Torah study and synagogue worship. [2][3] During this period, the Jewish leadership transitioned from a focus on the Temple and sacrificial practices to a greater emphasis on Halakha (Jewish law) and Aggadah (biblical interpretation), with significant contributions from Rabbinic literature. [2] The era also witnessed the Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135 CE), a failed attempt at Jewish independence, which led to further displacement and economic hardship. [3] Despite these challenges, Jewish communal life continued to thrive, particularly in the Galilee and later in Babylonia, which became a major center of Jewish life and scholarship.[4] The authority of the Patriarchs, who led the Jewish community and stabilized the economy, was instrumental in maintaining Jewish continuity during this transformative period.[4]