Man vs Society

Elisha was raised in the strict and regulated structure of the early Jewish faith, which defined not only his appearance and wardrobe, but his daily life, with prayers and utterances at specific times. The author shows how very little deviation from the requirements was accepted by this society, and that the sages were held to a much higher standard to this lifestyle than an average Jewish citizen of Palestine.

Elisha's father was considered a Hellenizer, one who had sympathies for Greek culture. He shocked his colleagues, but they did not ostracize him for these beliefs. As Elisha ages, the Sanhedrin grows more powerful and more strict, and the question of whether Greek literature should be studied becomes a dividing point for the sages.

Elisha chooses to remove himself from the Jewish society after being elevated to its highest honors. The decision to choose ex-communication over living...