I heard that Greece is connected to the term 'choshech' in the line "Tohu VaBohu Vechoshech al benei tehom..." (Bereishis 1:2), and I heard the idea used in multiple shiurs. Just wondering where that comes from, thanks!
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2 Answers
The source is Bereishit Rabbah 2.
וְחשֶׁךְ, זֶה גָּלוּת יָוָן, שֶׁהֶחֱשִׁיכָה עֵינֵיהֶם שֶׁל יִשְׂרָאֵל בִּגְזֵרוֹתֵיהֶן
”And darkness”: This refers to the exile imposed by Greece, who darkened the eyes of Israel with their decrees.
Aside from the Bereishis Rabbah mentioned by @JoelK it also appears in the Yalkut Shimoni 4:9
וחשך זה יון שהחשיכה עיניהן של ישראל בגזרותיה שהיתה אומרת להן כתבו על קרן השור שאין לכם חלק באלקי ישראל
And darkness this is Greece that darkened the eyes of Israel with their decrees, who said to them to write on the horn of an ox that you don't have a portion in the G-d of Israel.
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2This doesn't add much as yalkut Shimoni is just a collection of Midrashim from other sources, including bereishis Rabbah. I would've added it to the other answer, personally.– robevDec 18, 2020 at 7:01
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That maybe the case but it adds the additional point of "who said to them to write on the horn of an ox that you don't have a portion in the G-d of Israel" which isn't mentioned in Bereishis Rabbah– DovDec 19, 2020 at 19:27
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