Johanan Ben Zakkai
A Jewish sage and a primary contributor to the core text of Rabbinical Judaism
Real World Example
Johanan ben Zakkai was a Jewish sage who played a crucial role in preserving Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. He foresaw the fall of Jerusalem and escaped to Yavne, where he established a center for Jewish learning that helped sustain Jewish life and practices. His efforts were vital because they shifted the focus of Judaism from temple rituals to Torah study and community prayer, which allowed Judaism to adapt and survive without a central temple. Today, his legacy lives on in how Jewish communities worldwide prioritize education and community gatherings, such as in synagogues. For example, when families gather for Shabbat dinners to discuss the weekly Torah portion, they are engaging in traditions that ben Zakkai helped preserve and promote, showing how his influence continues to shape Jewish identity and values.
