In Al Hanissim we mention a Yochanan Kohen Gadol. Since there were several kohanim gedolim named Yochanan which one is this, historically?
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It's not so straightforward to assume that the Yochanan Kohen Gadol of (Ve')Al Hanissim is the same one who became a Tzeduki. The Vilna Gaon (Imrei Noam to Berachos 29a) distinguishes them (and Josephus' account supports this): the latter was Matisyahu's grandson; the former is obviously, from the wording of the prayer, Matisyahu's father. |
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Yochanan Kohen Gadol served for 80 years and he became a Tzeduki in the end! Per Abaye: Yanai Ha'Melech was Yochanan Kohen Gadol. Per Rava: They were different people. Yanai was a Rasha from the beginning, Yochanan was initially a Tzadik. |
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