Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai was a prominent Jewish sage and a key figure in the transition from the Second Temple period to the Rabbinic era. He lived during the first century CE and is best known for his role in preserving Jewish teachings and traditions after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. He established a center for Jewish learning in Yavneh, which became a crucial hub for the development of Rabbinic Judaism. Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai is often credited with the formulation of important teachings and legal decisions that shaped Jewish law. He emphasized the importance of ethical behavior and the study of the Torah, advocating for a Judaism that could thrive without the Temple. His legacy continues to influence Jewish thought and practice today.