c 348 BCE- After four years of work, the joyous dedication of the 2nd Holy Temple on the site of the 1st Holy Temple was celebrated today. (Ezra 6:15-16) The First Holy Temple, built by King Solomon was destroyed by the Babylonians. At that time, the prophet Jeremiah prophesied: "Thus says the L-rd: After seventy years for Babylon will I visit you... and return you to this place."

The Persian emperor Cyrus, who took over the Babylonian empire, permitted the Jews to return to Judah and rebuild the Holy Temple. The re-building was then interrupted for 18 years, when the Samarians persuaded Cyrus to withdraw permission. Achashverosh II (of Purim fame) upheld the moratorium. Only exactly 70 years after the destruction -- did
the building of the Beit HaMikdash resume under Darius II, the Persian king whom is said to be the son of Esther (of Purim fame).

The Second Beit HaMikdash lacked much of the glory of the First Beit HaMikdash: There was no Ark of the
Covenant, and the daily miracles and prophets were no longer part of the scenery. The Second Beit HaMikdash would stand for 420 years, before being destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE.

 

1699-Jews of Lubeck, Germany, were expelled.

 

Torah Portion

unknown

 

 

or view this week's triennial cycle reading.

Today is

Yom Chamishi, 18 Adar II, 5784

Thursday, March 28, 2024

 

Learn more about this date in history.