Guide
Rabbinic Constructions of the Past: The Hasmoneans
3rd–6th Centuries
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By Carol Bakhos
Rabbinic literature is far from uniform in its depiction of the rise and fall of the Hasmonean dynasty. In general, the earlier Hasmoneans are depicted more favorably than later generations. Rabbinic writings also depict the early Hasmoneans anachronistically as conforming to the world of the rabbis, at times turning them into ideal sages.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Hasmonean Victory and Hanukkah
What is Hanukkah? Our rabbis taught that on the twenty-fifth of Kislev [begin] the days of Hanukkah [lit., “dedication”], which are eight. One should not eulogize during them nor fast during them…
Primary Source
King Yannai and the Pharisees
[I]t was taught: It once happened that King Yannai [Janneus] went to Kokhalit in the desert and conquered sixty towns there. On his return he rejoiced exceedingly and invited all the Sages of Israel…
Primary Source
King Yannai’s Advice to His Wife Shelamzion
King Yannai said to his wife [before he died]: Do not be afraid of the Pharisees, and neither [should you fear] from those who are not Pharisees [i.e., the Sadducees]; rather, [beware] of the…
Primary Source
Battle between Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II
A man should not teach his son Greek. Our rabbis taught: When the Hasmonean kings laid siege to each other, Hyrcanus was outside [of the city of Jerusalem] and Aristobulus was inside [the city]. Every…
Primary Source
The Rise of King Herod
Herod was a servant in the house of the Hasmoneans. He put his eyes upon a particular girl. One day, [Herod] heard a heavenly voice that said: Whatever servant rebels now will succeed! [Herod] got up…
Related Guide
Ancient Rabbinic Constructions of the Past
2nd–6th Centuries