חשמונאים’s Rule
How long did the חשמונאים rule ארץ ישראל?
103 years.
Who became ruler after יהודה was killed?
Yonason ben Matisyahu.
Why were the חשמונאים punished?
They deviated from the Davidic line of kingship.
How long did Yehudah Aristobulus rule?
One year.
Which זוגות lived during the time of ינאי המלך?
יהודה בן טבאי and שמעון בן שטח.
What years did their rule span?
3622-3725.
Who became ruler after Yonason died?
Shimon ben Matisyahu.
Which חכם commented on their downfall?
The Ramban.
Who became king after Yehudah Aristobulus?
Alexander Yanai.
What is the famous story of חוני המעגל?
He drew a circle and prayed for rain.
Who made a treaty with Rome to stop Greek attacks?
Yehudah Maccabi.
What position did Shimon hold?
Nasi and Kohen Gadol.
How many sons of מתתיהו ruled after him?
Four.
What was Alexander Yanai's treatment of Torah scholars?
He exiled or killed them.
How long did Shlomit Alexandra rule?
Nine years.
What was the result of the treaty with Rome?
It brought temporary peace but led to severe consequences later.
How did Shimon die?
He was killed by his son-in-law.
What critical mistake did Yochanan Hyrkanus make?
Forced Idumeans to convert.
How did Shlomit Alexandra influence Alexander Yanai?
She occasionally swayed him to act fairly.
Which two Gedolim passed away during her rule?
Yehudah ben Tabai and Shimon ben Shetach.
How did אלעזר die?
He was crushed by an elephant.
Who took over after Shimon?
Yochanan Hyrkanus.
What influence led Yochanan Hyrkanus astray?
The Tzedukim.
What happened to Torah study during Alexander Yanai's rule?
Yeshivos were closed, and Torah study diminished.
Who guided Shlomit Alexandra during her reign?
The Perushim and Gedolim.