Greek Culture and the Mishna
Aegean Adventure

Jewish assimilation under Greek rule is a well-known fact of history, but contrary to popular opinion, the "misyavnim," the Jews who abandoned Torah in favor of Greek culture, were only a small group. A much greater percentage of Jews still wanted to remain Jewish while adopting some Greek ways. The Rabbis therefore faced tremendous challenges in staving off assimilation. Ancient Greece, with its sports, theater, and pagan rituals, comes to life in this fascinating tape, but most illuminating of all is the ingenuity of Chazal.