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.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
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

Discovering the mikvah, as well as stone measuring vessels, provides direct evidence of the existence of a Jewish settlement in the area at the time. 

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM
An aerial view of Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Mount Scopus campus.

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

Israel’s intellectual and innovative edge took generations to build. We cannot afford to let our educational excellence erode while we wait for the crises to subside.

|ByYISHAI FRAENKEL
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

The discovery came as part of police’s ongoing investigations into the violent clash between two feuding families in Silwan that occurred over the weekend and led to the deaths of three people.

|ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

Israel uncovers Second Temple-era stone workshop in West Bank

During the Second Temple period, it was customary to use tools made of stone and indeed stone tools are being discovered at almost every site in the region.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Second temple site for the production of stone tools, September 2023