Aristotle and Jewish Thought: A Harmonious Encounter

Finally we should note the connection that Aristotle’s own full time student Alexander the Great had with Judaism. Alexander upon entering Jerusalem, according to Talmud sources was immediately overwhelmed in his recall of a dream whereby the face of the high priest Jaddua appeared and prophetically assured him of dominance in his military pursuits. In response Alexander granted complete self-determination to the Jewish people, including the opportunity to continue their studies, and he further offered his own sacrifices at their Temple. It is a matter of speculation whether there literally was a prophetic dream or whether Alexander created this account as he had done in the past utilizing colorful fabrications to realize his objectives. However, it is significantly likely that this was one more example where his teacher Aristotle exerted a strong influence upon Alexander's life and indirectly Jewish life. In this case it would be a profound supportive Jewish influence that would have run full circle in the enhancement of Jewish spiritual movement to a higher ground. This later rendered possible a kind of L'Dor V' Dor tapped by Judah Maccabee and his inspired following.