The plan seemed good in their eyes, and some of the people went eagerly to the king, who gave them permission to perform the rites of the heathen. They built a gymnasium in Jerusalem in accordance with the customs of the heathen. It is only when their radical plans ran into the resistance of pietists and the family of Mattathias that Antiochus is persuaded by the Hellenizers to suppress the rebellion. Many of the victims of Judah Maccabee's wrath are Jews who have lined up with the priests of the Temple. My point in recounting these somber episodes is to stress that national unity is always elusive, even for a fragile and beleaguered community.
Jewish history shows a recurring pattern of internecine struggle, often turned violent.
Our history offers little comfort to those who believe that Jewish unity has always been inviolable. When it finally is, only then will deeply felt differences become reconcilable. May this year's Hanukkah bring us closer to that goal. Talk Shop Sign Up Search Courses Receive the JTS Torah commentary and Shabbat candlelighting times sent to you weekly by e-mail. Click here to sign up for free membership.