Answer:
The shift in Jewish focus from Temple worship to Torah study and Jewish teachings is a complex historical development, influenced by a variety of factors. Here are five possible reasons based on historical research and scholarship:
The Destruction of the Second Temple: In 70 CE, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which had been the central location for Jewish worship and sacrifice. This event had a profound impact on the Jewish community and forced them to rethink their religious practices. The loss of the Temple meant that traditional forms of worship were no longer possible, and Jewish leaders had to find new ways to connect with God and maintain their faith.
The Rise of Rabbinic Judaism: After the destruction of the Second Temple, a new form of Judaism emerged, known as Rabbinic Judaism. The rabbis, or Jewish scholars, became the new religious authorities, and they placed greater emphasis on the study of the Torah and interpretation of Jewish law. They believed that the study of the Torah was a way to connect with God and maintain Jewish identity even in the absence of the Temple.
The Diaspora: With the destruction of the Temple, many Jews were forced to leave Jerusalem and settle in other parts of the world. This dispersion, known as the Diaspora, created new challenges for Jewish leaders. Without a central location for worship, they had to find ways to maintain Jewish identity and practices in a variety of different contexts. The study of the Torah and Jewish teachings became a way to connect with God and maintain a sense of community across geographical and cultural boundaries.
The Influence of Hellenistic Culture: In the centuries leading up to the destruction of the Second Temple, many Jews were exposed to Hellenistic culture, which emphasized intellectual pursuits and philosophical inquiry. This influence may have contributed to a greater emphasis on the study of the Torah and Jewish teachings, as Jews sought to engage in a similar type of intellectual inquiry within their own religious tradition.
The Development of the Talmud: The Talmud is a collection of Jewish teachings and commentary on the Torah that was compiled in the centuries after the destruction of the Second Temple. It became a central text for Jewish scholars and provided a framework for the study and interpretation of Jewish law. The development of the Talmud may have contributed to a greater emphasis on the study of the Torah and Jewish teachings, as Jews sought to understand and apply the teachings contained in this important text.
References:
Cohen, S. J. D. (1999). The Beginnings of Jewishness: Boundaries, Varieties, Uncertainties. University of California Press.
Gafni, I. (2007). The Origins of Rabbinic Judaism. Cambridge University Press.
Katz, J. (1993). Tradition and Crisis: Jewish Society at the End of the Middle Ages. New York University Press.
Neusner, J. (1991). Judaism: The Evidence of the Mishnah. University of Chicago Press.
Stern, S. J. (1994). Jewish Identity in Early Rabbinic Writings. Mohr Siebeck.