70 AD
After the fall of Temple Mount, the Romans proceed to subdue the upper city. Simon bar Giora and John of Gischala ask for safe passage out of Jerusalem in exchange for their surrender, but Titus declines. Following an 18-day siege, the upper city is taken and destroyed. The only structures that the Romans leave standing – and whose remnants can still be seen today in the Tower of David – are the towers of Mariamne, Phasael, and Hippicus. In this way, all who visit Jerusalem will appreciate its former glory and marvel at the legions that vanquished it. Most of the leaders of the rebellion are seized and executed. John of Gischala is forced to march alongside Simon bar Giora in a triumphal procession in Rome. He dies shortly thereafter, probably in prison.
Since the destruction of the Temple, it has become more difficult to see the light. However, it never truly vanished and our duty is to find it. The purpose of every crisis is to allow us to rise above and reinvent ourselves. When we experience a break or fracture, we must not surrender. Rather, we should show restraint and work towards renewed growth.
“Caesar gave orders that they should now demolish the entire city and temple, but should leave as many of the towers standing as were of the greatest eminency; that is, Phasaelus, and Hippicus, and Mariamne; and so much of the wall as enclosed the city on the west side. This wall was spared, in order to afford a camp for such as were to lie in garrison, as were the towers also spared, in order to demonstrate to posterity what kind of city it was, and how well fortified, which the Roman valor had subdued” (Josephus Flavius, The Jewish Wars, Book 7, Chapter 1, paragraph 1)
Restraint is the time taken after an impulse to restrict negative thoughts and behaviors.
