Second Temple Judaism refers to the religious practices and beliefs of the Jewish people during the period between the construction of the Second Temple in 516 BCE and its destruction in 70 CE. This era was marked by significant developments in Jewish thought, including the rise of various sects such as the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes. The temple in Jerusalem served as the central place of worship and sacrifice, playing a crucial role in the community's religious life. During this time, the Jewish people faced various challenges, including foreign rule and cultural influences from Hellenism. The period also saw the compilation of important texts, such as parts of the Hebrew Bible and the emergence of the Apocrypha. The beliefs and practices established during this era laid the groundwork for later developments in Rabbinic Judaism and shaped the religious landscape of the Jewish community.