Simon II (High Priest)

"How glorious he was, with the people thronging around him, | as he emerged from behind the veil of the sanctuary. | He was like the morning star shining among the clouds, | like the full moon at the festal season, | like the sun shining on the temple of the Most High, | like the rainbow appearing in a cloudy sky, | like a rose in springtime, | like a lily by a spring of water, | like a green shoot on Lebanon on a summer’s day, | like incense set afire in the censer, | like a vessel of beaten gold | embellished with every kind of precious stone, | like an olive tree laden with fruit, | like a cypress reaching to the clouds."

"When he put on his magnificent robes | and clothed himself in his garments of splendor, | as he went up to the holy altar, | he brought majestic glory to the court of the sanctuary."

"It was the high priest Simon, son of Onias, | in whose lifetime the house was repaired | and in whose days the temple was fortified."