“’If you agree to join my men in battle and fight side by side with us, I will allow you to return to the land of your people and rebuild your Temple'

“The elders of the Jewish community stood before the king. He was a savage-looking man, with eyes as black as the night. He peered down at them from his throne, his face flushed with haughtiness and scorn. When he spoke, it was clear that he was trying to speak nicely, but also obvious from the gleam in his eyes that his message did not match the softer tone of his voice.

“’Dear Jews — brothers! Indeed, you are truly a great part of what makes my empire so unique, so powerful, and so beautiful. How many years have you been allowed to flourish in our land? Who bothers you here? You build more and more houses of prayer, academies for studying your holy books, and we allow it all… for the most part. But even the most privileged citizens must ask themselves, when their country is in dire need of help, how they can contribute toward keeping the peace of their empire. And you Jews should be asking that same question.

“’I am gracious toward your community and do not bother you. And what do I ask in return? Only for your loyalty. Do I have it?'