Scoutisrael

What happens when the conqueror of the known world marches on Jerusalem? In this episode, we explore the legendary encounter between Alexander the Great and the High Priest Yaddua (or Shimon HaTzaddik, depending on which text you open!).

We dive deep into how the Persian Empire’s model of multiculturalism set the stage for Greek rule, unpack the historical mystery of the Men of the Great Assembly, and look at how the Sages of the Talmud used oral history not just to record dates, but to teach profound layers of meaning. We also track how a Greek name like “Alexander” became completely koshered into Jewish history.

Support the Podcast:This podcast is entirely independent and corporate-free. If you enjoy the research and production that goes into these episodes, please consider supporting the show by becoming a member.

What happens when the conqueror of the known world marches on Jerusalem? In this episode, we explore the legendary encounter between Alexander the Great and the High Priest Yaddua (or Shimon HaTzaddik, depending on which text you open!).

We dive deep into how the Persian Empire’s model of multiculturalism set the stage for Greek rule, unpack the historical mystery of the Men of the Great Assembly, and look at how the Sages of the Talmud used oral history not just to record dates, but to teach profound layers of meaning. We also track how a Greek name like “Alexander” became completely koshered into Jewish history.

Support the Podcast:This podcast is entirely independent and corporate-free. If you enjoy the research and production that goes into these episodes, please consider supporting the show by clicking on the ko-fi or patreon button below:

Welcome back to The History of Judaism. We’re kicking things off with a literal murder mystery at the Temple altar!

But we aren’t just solving a simple ancient whodunnit. In this latest episode, we explore the immense political power of the High Priesthood, the Zadokite dynasty, and the physical, tangible reality of the Temple in Jerusalem. We also uncover a fascinating mirror narrative from a Jewish military outpost on the Nile. To truly understand the post-exilic Jewish world, you have to understand the warring priests who effectively ran it.

I pour over a decade of experience podcasting, writing, and producing into making these ancient stories accessible and immersive. Crafting this historical audio—and spending those long hours refining tracks in Audacity—takes a massive amount of dedication. As I mention at the end of this episode, I’ve been navigating a difficult time recently, and having this dedicated Patreon community in my corner means the absolute world to me.

Your ongoing support directly funds the deep-dive research, the hosting, and the production that keeps this show running. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping keep this history alive.

Give the new episode a listen below, share your thoughts in the comments, and get ready for next time: Yaddua the High Priest and the Dream of Alexander.

To support me: click the mug or hit the patreon logo after the podcast!

After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people found themselves under Persian rule—a time of both challenge and opportunity. From Cyrus the Great’s decree allowing the return to Zion to the drama of Purim in the court of Ahasuerus, this episode explores how Jews navigated life in the vast Persian Empire. How did they maintain their identity? What impact did Persian culture have on Judaism?

This consists of 2 Podcasts one about the secret messages inside the Scroll of Esther and its implications for Jews in The Persian Empire and the second a discussion of what life was like for Jews in the Achaemenid Persian Empire.

Things have been getting scary over here in Israel. To explain about the war and to explain about the historical and political causes, what actually happened and what you can do, I made this video playlist.

Remember to “Like” “Share” “subscribe” and “comment”

Also don’t forget to donate to United Hatzalah:

https://israelrescue.org/

We discuss the continuing story of the First Exile, the exile to Babylon. We will answer the following questions:

Was the Land left Completely empty?

Who was exiled?

What changed about Judaism in Babylon?

We refer both to the Biblical history, as recorded in the Bible and the Book of Ezekiel. We also refer to the archaeological record.

This is a continuation of both a Biblical, Archaeological and Historical podcast about Judaism and the History of

 the Jews.

But first we find out about the first Diaspora Community in Egypt.

We follow the final part of the collapse of Judah after the Destruction of the First Temple, the tragedy at the new capital in Mitzpeh, and the assassination of Gedalyah. Why is this such a significant event in Jewish History? What effect does this have on Judaism? Why fast on the fast of Gedalyah?