Hellenism and Jewish Culture

• Hellenism is the blending of Greek culture with local culture and its influence.
• Many Jews moved to Egypt for prosperity and opportunity.
• Jews in Egypt were protected, favored, and worked in the king's service.
• Jews living in Egypt were similar to North American Jews, as they lived close to other Jews, had prayer houses, adapted to surroundings, and participated in communal life.

Reactions to Greek Culture/Hellenism

• Resistance: Refusing to participate in the new culture.
• Assimilation: Totally shedding Jewish identity.
• Adaptation: Still practicing Judaism but also incorporating aspects of Greek culture.
• Assimilation into Hellenistic culture was tempting because it offered a sense of belonging and excitement.
• Septuagint is the Torah translated into Greek.
• A similarity between the Jews in the time of Ezra and Hellenism compared to Jews living in North America today is that they shared many values and adapted to new surroundings.
• Some argued against translating the Torah because they believed it was literally written by God, who chose every word.
• The new ruler’s name was Antiochus.
• The Judeans hated the new ruler because he doubled their taxes.
• Jason became High Priest by bribing King Antiochus.
• Many Judeans were angered by Jason's appointment as High Priest because he was not from the priestly bloodline.

Actions

• Menelaus showed assimilation by stealing holy vessels and killing Onias.
• The civil war was caused by Onias being killed by Menelaus.
• Menelaus fought against Jason in the civil war.
• Antiochus believed the conflict was a revolt against him, not a civil war.

Antiochus's Reaction

• He looted the temple.
• He enslaved people.
• He killed protestors.
• He entered the Holy of Holies.
• Mattathias the Hasmonean was the leader of the resistance.
• Judah took over after Mattathias died.
• Judah's nickname was Maccabee because he was like a hammer and dealt blows to the enemy.
• The Temple was rededicated on the 25th of Kislev of 164 BCE.
• The first holiday the Jews dedicated to celebrate was Sukkot because they couldn't celebrate it earlier.
• Hanukah means "dedication" or "rededication."
• Hanukah is celebrated for 8 days as Sukkoth is also 8 days long.
• Simon became the political and religious leader of the Jews.
• Many Jews were upset about who became their religious leader (High Priest) because he was not from the priestly family.
• Many Jews were upset about who became their political leader (Prince of the People) because he wasn't from the Davidic line and could not be both a political and religious leader.