Meir Soloveichik

Vladimir Jabotinsky founds one of the most important youth movements in Jewish history.

Even in this difficult time for the Jewish people, we are blessed to bear witness to the lights of the soldiers of Israel—who testify to the living legacy of Judah Maccabee.

By the end of his life, the achievements of Judah rivaled—and in some ways surpassed—those of every great general throughout history. 

Judah defeats a new general sent against the Hasmoneans in miraculous fashion.

In the Battle of Beth Zechariah, the Seleucids defeated the Hasmoneans by using war elephants, but not before the Maccabee Eliezer did something that will be remembered forever.

It was the liberation and purification of the Temple in Jerusalem that inspired Judah and his men to fight.

Unlike any other leader in Jewish history, Judah combined faith in God, an ability to inspire his men, and strategic genius to lead the Hasmoneans.

The Maccabean fusion of public faith in God and a willingness to fight was born in the priest Mattathias.

The podcast explores the fusion of faith and physical prowess in athletes like Jeremy Lynn and Tim Tebow. It examines the influence of Hellenism on Jerusalem, the paganization of the city, and power struggles for the high priesthood. The podcast also discusses the paganization of the temple and the influence of Greek physicality. It reflects on the celebration of human preciousness and the power of hope, drawing connections to the study of the Maccabees.

Why is Judah and his family so famous when even learned Jews know so little about him?