Yohanan ben Zakkai was a prominent Jewish sage and a key figure in the development of Rabbinic Judaism during the first century CE. He is best known for his role in preserving Jewish teachings and traditions after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Ben Zakkai established a school in Yavneh, where he and his disciples worked to adapt Jewish practices to a new reality without the Temple. He is often credited with formulating important teachings and legal decisions that shaped Jewish law. His efforts helped ensure the continuity of Jewish life and scholarship during a time of great upheaval, making him a pivotal figure in Jewish history.