Confusion of thought prevailed, and the heart did not seek after purity but decided according to appearances.

From A Treasury of Jewish Folklore by Nathan Ausubel.

Why Jerusalem Was Destroyed

“Why was Jerusalem destroyed?” asked the Sages of Israel.

Jerusalem was destroyed only because of the desecration of the Sabbath.

Jerusalem was destroyed only because the morning and the evening prayers were abolished.

Jerusalem was destroyed only because the children of the schools remained untaught.

Jerusalem was destroyed only because the people did not feel shame towards one another.

Jerusalem was destroyed only because no distinction was drawn between the young and the old.

Jerusalem was destroyed only because one did not warn or admonish the other.

Jerusalem was destroyed only because men of scholarship and learning were despised.

Jerusalem was destroyed only because there were no longer men of faith and hope in her midst.

Other sages of Israel said: “Jerusalem was destroyed only because her laws were founded upon the strict letter of the Torah and were not interpreted in the way of mercy and kindness.”

From the day that the Temple was destroyed, men of sound judgment were cut off. Confusion of thought prevailed, and the heart did not seek after purity but decided according to appearances. The shedding of blood profanes the holy soil and is an offence against the Divine Presence; it was because of the shedding of blood that the Holy Temple was burnt.