From Empire to Ruin: The Silence That Sealed the Fate of Jews Under Herod

During the reign of Herod the Great, known for his brutality, Torah scholars chose a path of separation from the state. They refrained from criticizing Herod or getting involved in political matters, realizing that the earthly kingdom was lost to the Jewish people. Their focus remained solely on Torah study, keeping them uninvolved and thus spared from Herod's cruelty. They dedicated themselves to preserving the eternal values of Judaism, sidelining the physical conflicts around them.

Not all Jews followed this path. Many God-fearing and devout Jews resisted Herod's injustices and sought ways to rebel. However, this approach seemed less effective in hindsight, considering the actions of Jewish sages from the time of Hillel and Shammai to Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai, who valued Yavneh and its scholars more than even the Holy Temple. Herod's tyranny was seen as a divine decree, as mentioned in the Torah: "The stranger who is among you shall rise higher and higher, and you shall come down lower and lower," with the solution being "if you walk in My statutes." Direct rebellion against Herod would not elevate the stature of Torah.

Herod ruled through fear and terror, employing a secret police force and foreign mercenaries to sniff out any hint of rebellion among Jews. Within the study houses of Hillel and Shammai, these spies found no interest in political matters, while among the pious and zealous in Jerusalem, whispers that could be construed as betrayal were heard. Herod reacted with brutality and rage. Josephus reports, "No assembly, walk, gathering, or company was allowed without supervision. Those caught were severely punished... and it is said that Herod himself would occasionally disguise himself as a commoner to mingle at night and test them."

One of Shammai's notable students was Baba ben Buta, who was also influenced by Hillel. He resolved the longstanding dispute over semicha. Although the influence of Shammai was significant, having a practical impact in the Temple by prohibiting semicha, Baba ben Buta, who offered sacrifices throughout the year, supported it on a festival. His action caused a great stir in the Temple, and a priest rebuked him, "What is this semicha?" questioning his right to change the ruling of Shammai. Baba ben Buta humbly responded, "What is this silence?" asserting his right to follow the opinion supporting semicha, rooted in generations. His calm response, which defended his right without attacking the other, left a significant impact, eventually leading to the acceptance of Hillel's ruling.

Herod, in his quest to eliminate Torah scholars, spared Baba ben Buta due to his great wisdom but cruelly blinded him to prevent rebellion. Herod did not understand that these scholars had disengaged from him, seeing him as insignificant even as a target for rebellion. They agreed not to involve themselves with him positively or negatively. Thus, when Herod disguised himself as a simple man seeking Baba ben Buta's advice while cursing Herod, he was surprised to find Baba ben Buta refused to curse the king who murdered Israel's sages and blinded him. Despite Herod's persistent disguise, Baba ben Buta would not utter a negative word.

Witnessing this, Herod thought he could strengthen this moderate stance. As a king with formidable construction abilities, revered even in Rome, he proposed rebuilding the Temple, where these Torah scholars, who would neither curse the king nor meddle in his affairs, would preside. Baba ben Buta advised him to undertake this project, as he had exterminated the Torah scholars, the eyes of the congregation, and by rebuilding the Temple, he would illuminate the eyes of the world. This occurred in 22 BCE, 92 years before Herod's magnificent structure was set aflame by the Romans, to whom he had dedicated his life.