Overview
Simon II (219–199 or 196 BCE ) was a Jewish High Priest during the Second Temple period. He was the son of Onias II. Some writers identify him with Simeon the Just.
Simon is praised at length by Jesus son of Eleazar, son of Sirach of Jerusalem, also known as Ben Sira, in chapter 50 of the Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) in a hymn of Hebrew parallel verse:The chapter goes on to describe a festival led by the High Priest Simon II and the celebrations of the people of Jerusalem.
Ben Sira was a contemporary of Simon II, and this description of him comes after a long versified walk through the traditions and revered ancestors of the Jewish people (Sirach 44-49). He is the last leader or ancestor mentioned, and clearly was highly revered by Ben Sira.
Simon is also mentioned in 3 Maccabees, chapter 2.
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