Comfort, leisure, serenity, prosperity, and dedication are only an understatement of the amazing era in Jewish history in Jerusalem. At the start of the epoch of the Second Temple, the denizens of Jerusalem adapted to new life quite easily to the postexilic period after the Babylonian exile had spewed them out of their homeland. The rebuilding of the Temple gave them new hope and faith, rejuvenating their spirituality. The Jews lived contently and in peace with themselves as well as their Creator. However, their material and spiritual contentment was short-lived. Their tranquil lifestyles gradually transformed into a nightmare, which was all too familiar. The arrival of the Greeks with their innovative and unique lifestyle initiated what resulted in one of the most tumultuous and confusing periods in Jewish history. The introduction of Hellenism and its doctrines evoked a two-fold reaction: while many viewed this
culture as seductive, fresh, and liberating, others grew increasingly afraid fearing a complete revolution and destruction of the Jewish faith. …
