The real test was in the struggle to preserve the true faith of Israel against the attractions of pagan Hellenism. This ideological struggle between Judaism and Hellenism began long before the persecution by Antiochus IV, and lasted long years after it. Hellenism spread rapidly and made itself felt in the Temple, among the priests and even the high priest himself. In the years that followed many Jews apostatized from the faith of Israel. In contrast, however, the severe persecutions endured by the