The Second Temple at the Height of its Glory

During these days of the Second Temple, the priests attended to their duties and the nation performed the pilgrimage on the festivals. This was a period of greatness for the Jewish nation brimming with purpose, splendor, beauty and joy.

Here, the nation rejoiced at the Festival of the Water Libation, arrived bearing the first fruits of the harvest, celebrated the Passover together, and watched in awe and wonder as the High Priest performed the service of the Day of Atonement. All saw how the great leaders of Israel, when standing in the Holy Temple, behaved with the simplicity of ordinary folk. On Shavuot, King Agripas carried a basket of first fruits on his shoulder exactly like every other Jew. On Sukkot, the wise men of the Sanhedrin danced joyfully in G-d's presence before the eyes of all the pilgrims in the Court. Jerusalem truly deserved its title: "Built up as a city that is compact together" (Psalms 122:3) - and as the sages comment on this verse, "The city that binds all of Israel together in friendship." (Jerusalem Talmud Chagiga 3)

The Gentile neighbors of the land also regarded the Temple in Jerusalem as a universal spiritual center. King Mounbaz from the mountains of Armenia donated gold to beautify the Temple vessels; Queen Helena contributed a golden lamp to suspend over the entrance of the Sanctuary and a golden plate. (Mishna, Yoma 3)

Alexander the Great, conqueror of the entire ancient world, was shocked to be greeted upon his arrival in Jerusalem by the Simon the Just, who was High Priest. He related that Simon's was the face which had appeared to him in his dreams on numerous occasions. Alexander the Great bowed down before him and cried out, "This is the face which is victorious before me in battle!" Meaning, the merit of the service of the High Priest in Jerusalem protected him.

Alexander treasured the service of the Temple and guarded it from the Samaritans who sought its destruction. Even Roman Caesars sent their offerings to the Temple to insure success in their various military campaigns. (Gittin 56:A)

Although certain elements were missing, this period is etched into the memory of the nation of Israel as a time of intense spiritual strength. A life of purity and spirituality was lived in the shadow of the Temple, and the nation of Israel developed in its land on foundations of ethical perfection.

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