Venue: Kehillat Shaarei Yonah Menachem (Modiin) Kehillat Shaarei Yonah Menachem (Modiin)

History:

Roman Period 

Machshava:

Beit HaMikdash,  History,  Rabbinic Authority 

Description

In response to Vespasian's offer, Rabban Yochanan essentially ceded Yerushalayim and the Bet Hamikdash in exchange for Yavneh, its Sages, and the continuity of the Mesorah. Was he correct (and who are we to judge)? What was the other view? And did Rabban Yochanan regret his decision? What might have happened - and what are the implications for today? Delivered on Tish'a B'Av at Kehillat Shaarei Yonah Menachem in Modiin, Israel.