As Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai was coming forth from Jerusalem, Rabbi Joshua followed after him and beheld the Temple in ruins.
“Woe unto us!” Rabbi Joshua cried, “That this, the place where the iniquities of Israel were atoned for is laid waste!”
“My son,” Rabban Yohanan said to him, “Be not grieved, we have another atonement as effective as this, and what is it? It is acts of loving kindness, as it is said, ‘For I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’” Hosea 6:6.
(Avot de Rabbi Nathan 4:18).
Based upon the words of this one revered Rabbi, the nation of Israel abandoned atonement through blood and sought it instead through –