Ancient Greek culture forms the foundation of western civilization and Rabbi Wein demonstrates how the appeal of Greek philosophy, sports, and theater held sway with many Jews and caused them to assimilate and become Hellenists. Detailing the conquests of Alexander the Great, his relationship to Shimon Ha Tzaddik and the Jews in general, Rabbi Wein portrays the years of peace Jews enjoyed under Alexandrian rule and sets the backdrop that later led to the war-torn years of the Chanukah miracle.