Menahot 109: The Temple of Onias

A new mishnah! One who makes a vow to bring an offering must do so in the Temple in Jerusalem (as compared to local personal offerings)... and also as compared to the replica of the Temple in Egypt: Beit Honio (or the Temple of Onias). And Honio was the descendent of Simon HaTzadik. [Who's Who: Simon HaTzadik] [What's What: The Temple of Onias] The historical context is essential here, in the era on the path to the downfall of the Second Temple... Note that the phrasing of one's vow will make the difference as to whether one could bring the offering in Beit Honio at all, though it obviously ought to be offered in Jerusalem. Plus, a baraita that delves into the question of where the Temple of Onias went wrong - namely, was it really a seat of idol worship? And who was "Honio"? Why did he agree to dress like a woman? And what was the state of the Jewish people in this era?