One of the most prominent interfaith conflicts in the Ancient World was the conflict between the Seleucid King Antiochus IV and a sector of Jewish society. The result of the conflict was the establishment of a Jewish dynasty under the rule of the Hasmoneans (the family of Judas Maccabeus). The conflict is still celebrated as the festival of Hanukkah.
The interplay between Hellenism and Judaism which lays behind this conflict has been a topic of endless scholarly discussion and heated debate. In general the coming of Alexander and his successors to the Levant has been viewed as threat to the Jewish tradition and beliefs with the result of the interaction being a choice between assimilation or resistance. Even the terms "Hellenism" and "Judaism" take on the characteristics of this conflict.
More modern interpretations have moved away from this view, but it can still be found. Not every Greek practice required the abandonment of a Jewish principle. In fact, many of the reforms were taken up by high ranking members of the religious elite.
This book will cover a brief historical background to the Maccabean conflict before highlighting some of the religious issues that can be explored.