The armies of Alexander the Great thundered across the Middle East on their path of total world conquest. Both Damascus and Sidon fell to their might despite spirited resistance, and Alexander seemed invincible.
Moving on to Tyre, he dispatched his messengers to the Land of Israel, demanding that the High Priest Shimon send him both troops and provisions, as well as monetary tribute, transferring to him the allegiance formerly due to Persia. But Shimon refused all the demands, provoking Alexander's avowed revenge.
At the same time, in the Land of Israel, the conflict between the Samaritans, a break-away sect, and the Jews was boiling over. The Samaritan king Sanballat had constructed a second temple on Mount Gerizim near Shechem, to compete with the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem. The deep enmity the Samaritans held toward the Jews now had a new outlet. Hearing that Alexander was approaching the Holy Land, they set about to concoct all sorts of schemes to discredit the Jews in the eyes of Alexander.
The Samaritans sent word to Alexander that the Jews had rebelled against him, and as a proof of their rebelliousness they would refuse him entrance to their holy Beit Hamikdash. The general was determined to put the Jews to the test.
One wise Jew, a hunchback, named Geviya ben Petitha, learned of their wicked plot and resolved to do something about it. Geviya knew that Alexander was, according to Jewish law, actually permitted to enter the courtyard of the Temple, but not with his shoes on. The problem was, how to induce such an exalted person to remove his shoes without causing offense. Geviya came up with a creative solution: he ordered made a magnificent pair of slippers to be presented as a gift to the general. Made of soft white wool and encrusted with precious gems, they were sure to find favor in his eyes. Each slipper cost 10,000 silver coins, but the safety of the Holy City was at stake.
Alexander's approach threw the inhabitants of the city into a panic. But Shimon the High Priest, known as Shimon Hatzadik, had a plan. Dressed in the sacred vestments of the Temple service, he led a procession of young kohanim (priests) similarly attired. They, in turn, were followed by a large contingent of citizens, all dressed in white. This impressive group filed out of the city to welcome Alexander. When the two groups stood face to face - the invincible forces of the conqueror and the holy assemblage of priests - a strange thing occurred. Alexander dismounted, approached Shimon Hatzadik, and bowed to the ground.
To his incredulous officers he said: "Know that when I see the face of this old man before me when I go into battle, I know that my enemies will fall to my hand. How, then, should I not accord him the greatest respect?"
Accompanied by the High Priest, Alexander and his retinue made their way into the Holy City in peace. They proceeded as far as the Temple courtyard when they were met by Geviya, who bowed before Alexander and presented him with the beautiful slippers, saying, "You would honor us by wearing these so that you do not slip on the smooth stones of the courtyard." Alexander took them happily, thinking that the Samaritans were certainly lying to him. The procession continued until they reached the Holy of Holies, when Geviya again spoke up. "Your Majesty, we may not go any further; even the High Priest enters but once a year." When he heard this, Alexander seethed with rage. Apparently, the Samaritans told the truth. He glared at Geviya and said, "When we leave this place, I will flatten out that hump on your back!" Geviya smiled at him and replied, "If you do, you will be acclaimed a great doctor, and people will offer you fat fees for your services!" Alexander was a man who had an appreciation for wit, and this response amused him and defused his anger.
Alexander left the Holy City in peace, and maintained a friendly attitude toward the Jews throughout his brief reign. To show their gratitude, the Jews named all boys born in the next year after the Emperor Alexander.
