In this episode, Rabbi Reinman discusses the establishment of the Hasmonean Dynasty and its descent into corruption, strife, betrayal and fratricide.

Chapter Forty-Five: The Hasmonean Dynasty

Shimon proved to be an astute leader. After winning independence for Judea with his diplomatic maneuvering, he sent an enormous gold medal to Rome as a gift to ensure Judea’s status as a protected Roman ally. He besieged the Akra fortress in Jerusalem until its Greek garrison was forced to leave, then he leveled it to the ground. He also captured the pagan stronghold of Gazara and destroyed all its idols. Internally, he broke the power of the Hellenized Jews and consolidated the hold of the Hasidim at all levels of the government.

At long last, the chaotic horrors of war receded into memory. Peace and harmony descended on the land of Judea. Old men once again sat together in the street and chatted about pleasant matters. All the people sat under their own vines and fig trees, and there was none to make them afraid. Fathers once again circumcised their sons, studied Torah with them as they grew older and saw them reach adulthood without being sent off to fight on the battlefields.

Shimon’s thoughts turned to improving the economy. He captured the port of Joppa, giving the land-locked Judea access to the sea, and he developed it into a harbor for international trade. This allowed Judean agricultural products to reach the Mediterranean markets and brought in foreign currency and consumer goods. He also increased internal security by clearing the bandits and highwaymen who had taken over the roads during the years of strife and chaos. Farmers could now tend to their crops instead of standing guard over their fields. The hallowed earth yielded its abundance, and the Jewish people became prosperous.

Furthermore, Shimon used the increased revenue to fortify the major population centers of Judea. He also undertook a major renovation of the Bais Hamikdash, which had been stripped of its valuables and battered by decades of war. Hundreds of craftsmen labored to repair the breaches and to replicate the golden Menorah, Shulchan and Mizbeiach Hazahav of the Heichal; the Aron had been secreted long before during the time of the First Bais Hamikdash. These massive projects also drove the economy and contributed greatly to the growing prosperity.

At this point, Shimon stood at a crossroads. According to Jewish law and tradition, dating back to Yaakov’s deathbed testament to his sons which blessed them and defined their roles, only descendants of the tribe of Yehudah could be anointed to serve as Jewish kings. “The royal scepter shall not depart from Yehudah.” Hashem had entrusted this scepter to Dovid Hamelech and his descendants forever. The Hasmoneans were Kohanim descended from the Shevet Levi and therefore disqualified …

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