From Empire to Ruin: A Clash of Beliefs in Ancient Judea

From Empire to Ruin (Part 1): The Maccabean Revolt and Surprising Victory

From Empire to Ruin (Part 2): The Dangerous Alliance that Toppled Judea

From Empire to Ruin (Part 3): John Hyrcanus' Stunning Victory Over Antiochus

John, son of Simon son of Mattathias, leader and high priest, led the nation with a firm hand. He implemented significant religious ordinances, including the famous "demai" rule, prohibiting eating produce from common people unless it was tithed. He subdued Israel's enemies and even heard a divine voice on Yom Kippur predicting the downfall of Beit She'an and Samaria.

During John's leadership and his expansive conquests, a new group called the "Sadducees" emerged in Israel. Led by Zadok and Boethus, disciples of Antigonus of Socoh who misunderstood his teachings, leading to negative cultural impacts. Hence, Antigonus would caution his students, "Scholars, be careful with your words." Some believe the Sadducees also had ties to the house of Zadok, a line of high priests ousted by the Hasmoneans.

The Sadducees disregarded the authority of the sages, dismissing tradition and claiming rabbis fabricated teachings. Their influence was minor, but some priests in Jerusalem aligned with them, attempting to alter Temple laws, alleging rabbis "invented" rules. For example, they argued individuals could sponsor the daily Temple offerings, a role traditionally funded by annual half-shekel donations from Jews worldwide, signifying a collective sacrifice. A public debate ensued, ending in failure for the Sadducees. The victory was celebrated annually on the 8th of Nisan.

Despite being a minor group, the Sadducees persisted in forming their own theories and belittling the halachic authorities. Little did they know their time was near.

High priest and leader John returned from significant conquests of sixty major cities, hosting a grand banquet for Jerusalem's notables. Attending were the Sanhedrin and many dignitaries. John appeared in high priestly garb, but was challenged by Yehuda ben Gedaria, an overly zealous sage. Ben Gedaria claimed John couldn't be high priest due to his mother's alleged captivity by Greeks during Hasmonean wars, which disqualified her under rabbinic law. After investigation, this rumor proved false, leading to Ben Gedaria receiving forty lashes for defamation.

Here, the Sadducees began to incite John: Why only forty lashes for someone who insulted Israel's king? Hang him! Prove you're king, not the Sanhedrin elders!

John, a long-serving, well-educated high priest, hesitated. Without the Torah scholars, how could the oral tradition be upheld? Yet, a leading Sadducee, Elazar ben Poira, convinced John otherwise, suggesting the Torah was accessible to all—it was, after all, written in Hebrew...

Ultimately, John made a grave decision: to execute the Sanhedrin sages whom he believed disrespected his honor. As for Jewish law—anyone could interpret it as they wished. This led sages to caution, "Do not trust yourself until the day of your death, for John, high priest for eighty years, ultimately became a Sadducee!"