163 B.C.; rivalry and strife among his would-be successors aided the Jews in their quest for freedom. Judas was killed in battle in 160 B.C., and his brother Jonathan received the mantle of leadership. Jonathan wrested further land and freedom from the Syrians. In a surprising move for a Maccabee, he accepted the appointment of the office of high priest from an aspirant to the Syrian throne in 152 B.C. Captured in battle by a Syrian general, Jonathan was put to death in 143 B.C. and was succeeded