Second Temple

Massive newly-unearthed complex may shed light on how Jewish pilgrims prepared to enter the Temple

The discovery was made during five seasons of excavations, directed by Prof. Uzi Leibner and Prof. Orit Peleg-Barkat of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Archaeology.

The Ophel archaeological site where a monumental complex housing several Second Temple-era mikvaot were uncovered by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, September 23, 2026.
Lifting the Second Temple-era mikveh found in the Carmei Gat neighborhood in Kiryat Gat, September 17, 2026.

How to move an ancient mikvah? Inside the IAA's operation to conserve a Second Temple ritual bath

 An aerial view of Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Mount Scopus campus.

Israel’s higher education is becoming another casualty in constant crises - opinion

Burial cave from the Second Temple period found by Border Police officers in east Jerusallem, August 24, 2026.

Border Police discover Second Temple-period burial cave during operations in eastern Jerusalem


What lessons can we learn from historical mourning? - opinion

Each year around this time, more than ever, we must pray that future historians will not be called upon to analyze the obtuseness, zealousness, vanity, and corruption of the present.

Jews attend a prayer for the return of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip, at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site in the Old City of Jerusalem, March 21, 2024.

Largest ever Second Temple era quarry discovered in Har Hotzvim Hi-Tech Park, Jerusalem

Archaeologists excavated 3,500 square meters of earth in one section of the massive quarry.

 The main street that led to the Temple Mount approximately 2,000 years ago. It is being uncovered in the excavations of the Israel Antiquities Authority at the City of David, August 1, 2024.

The history and evolving tradition of Shavuot - opinion

Shavuot’s journey from an agricultural celebration to commemorating the Giving of the Torah, and its eventual return to an agricultural focus, underscores the adaptability of Jewish tradition.

 READING FROM the Torah in synagogue: Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Ten Commandments. These commandments, like the Torah, offer stories, insights, values and actions as ways in to God

Israel Film Center fest in New York to premiere ‘Legend of Destruction’

Legend of Destruction tells the story of the internal conflicts within ancient Israel that led to the destruction of the Second Temple during the Roman Empire’s rule over the land.

 THE HERO of ‘Legend of Destruction,’ Ben Batich.

Ben-Zakai and Akiva's differing approaches to defense and diplomacy - opinion

Akiva and Yohanan Ben-Zakai were great scholars and great leaders operating during the Judean rebellions against Rome, but their approaches to defense and diplomacy differed widely.

People gather round a bonfire in the Jerusalem neighborhood of Arnona in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Lag Ba'omer, May 8, 2023.

Passover is an expression of Jewish indigeneity in the Land of Israel - opinion

In Passover, we honor our origin story as a people when we became a nation centered in the Land of Israel as well as the land itself.

 THE SEDER takes place, last year, in the Land of Israel.

Rare stone box from the Second Temple period discovered in the City of David

The discovery is now on exhibit at the Israel Museum, and it shows evidence of the destruction of Jerusalem 2,000 years ago.

 The box on display at the Israel Museum archaeology gallery.

What's true and false about the Vatican and Temple artifacts - opinion

Currently, the official Vatican position is that it neither confirms nor denies possession of Herodian Temple objects such as the golden Menorah, sacred tables, altars, and priestly garments.

 Pope Francis leads the Pentecost Mass at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican May 28, 2023.

Ancient aqueduct from time of Roman occupation discovered in Jerusalem

The excavation efforts also led to the discovery of a coin from 67/68 CE, during the first Jewish revolt against the Roman occupying forces.

A long section of the Upper Aqueduct to Jerusalem was uncovered in archaeological excavations at Giv‘at HaMatos

Jewish men (and women) think about the Roman Empire all the time. We can’t avoid it

The most obvious reason why a good Jew thinks often about the Roman Empire is, of course, historical trauma.

 The Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem by Francesco Hayez