Ezra 3

The returned exiles settle in their towns and gather together in Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua the high priest, the people immediately rebuild the altar of God and resume offering burnt sacrifices according to the Law of Moses. They celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths). They then hire skilled workers and gather materials, beginning the arduous process of rebuilding the Temple foundation. When the foundation is laid, the priests and Levites praise the Lord, but some of the older men, who remembered Solomon's glorious original Temple, weep aloud.