The Day Jerusalem Was Saved from Alexander the Great

In the Babylonian Talmud, it is told that on the 25th of Tevet, the Samaritans informed Alexander the Great about the Jews and obtained his permission to destroy Jerusalem. To reverse this decree, Shimon HaTzaddik left Jerusalem, dressed in priestly garments, to greet Alexander the Great with respect.

In the city of Antipatris, Alexander the Great met Shimon HaTzaddik. During their meeting, Alexander descended from his chariot and bowed to Shimon HaTzaddik, explaining that he always saw Shimon's likeness leading him in battle. Alexander revoked the decree to destroy Jerusalem and allowed the Jews to seek vengeance against the Samaritans. The Jews achieved a significant victory over their enemies, and that day became a celebration.

(Photo of Mount Gerizim: Shutterstock)

Source: Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Yoma, Page 69a

On the 25th of Tevet, the day of Mount Gerizim, they forbade to mourn. A day when the Samaritans asked Alexander of Macedon to destroy our Temple and he granted it. They came to inform Shimon HaTzaddik. What did he do? He donned the priestly garments, and with the noble ones of Israel, torches in hand, they marched all night in two columns until dawn came.

When dawn rose, Alexander asked, 'Who are these?'

They answered, 'Jews who have rebelled against you.'

When he reached Antipatris and saw Shimon HaTzaddik, Alexander dismounted and bowed before him.

They questioned him, 'A great king like you bows to this Jew?'

He replied, 'The image of this man leads me to victory in battle.'

He asked them, 'Why have you come?'

They replied, 'Can it be that the house where prayers are said for you and your kingdom's survival should be destroyed by misguided nations?'

He asked, 'Who are these people?'

They replied, 'These Samaritans standing before you.'

He declared, 'They are given into your hands.'

Immediately, they pierced their heels and tied them to the tails of horses, dragging them over thorns and briers until reaching Mount Gerizim. When they arrived, they plowed it and sowed chickpeas as they intended to do to our God's house. That day was made a holiday.