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Alexander's Greekfication Strategy
- Alexander the Great aimed to Greekify the entire known world, spreading Hellenistic culture after conquering Persia.
- The shift from the Hellenic to Hellenistic world challenged Jewish cultural identity significantly.
Circumcision and Jewish Identity
- Jews faced an identity crisis centered on circumcision amid pressure to conform to Greek customs.
- This physical mark symbolized their distinctiveness and was challenged by Greek cultural expectations.
Seleucid Pressure on Jewish Customs
- The Seleucid rulers enforced Hellenistic culture aggressively, including public nudity in baths and games, challenging Jewish customs.
- Jewish participation in Greek sports became socially awkward due to their circumcision status.