Jews made sacrifices to God during the time of Jesus. When and why did they stop making sacrifices?

The practice of making sacrifices in Judaism dates back to ancient times, with sacrifices being an integral part of the religious rituals prescribed in the Torah (the Hebrew Bible). These sacrifices were performed at the Temple in Jerusalem, which was the central place of worship for the Jewish people.

The cessation of sacrifices can be traced to a significant event in Jewish history: the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The Second Temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, during the First Jewish-Roman War. This event marked the end of the sacrificial system as it had been practiced for centuries.

Without the Temple, the central place where sacrifices were to be offered according to Jewish law, the practice became impossible to continue in its traditional form. Additionally, the loss of the Temple and the subsequent dispersal of the Jewish people led to a shift in Jewish religious practices and interpretations.

After the destruction of the Temple, Judaism underwent a transformation, transitioning from a religion centred on Temple rituals and sacrifices to one focused on prayer, study, and observance of the Torah's commandments. Rabbinic Judaism emerged as the dominant form of Judaism, emphasizing synagogue worship, study of Jewish texts, ethical living, and observance of the commandments.

Today, while sacrifices are no longer practiced in Judaism, their symbolism and significance continue to be remembered and reflected upon in Jewish liturgy, theology, and traditions.