Assume that the Book of Esther is (somewhat) accurate, and there was a Persian king with a Jewish queen. What if Esther and Mordechai convinced Achashverosh (Xerxes I or Artaxerxes II, take your pick) to convert to Judaism?* What effect would a Jewish Persia have on Judaism as practiced at the Temple in Jerusalem? (Imagine it as similar to Khazaria, with mainly the royal family, nobility, and upper classes converting)
Would there be conflicts with the Zoroastrian priesthood? Would a Jewish-Zoroastrian syncretism develop? Would Judaism spread into India?
What happens when Alexander comes along?
*Alternatively, what if Cyrus converts, starting this much earlier? He could take advantage of the virtually unconditional support of the Jews to create a Jewish-Persian empire (based in Jerusalem?)
Would there be conflicts with the Zoroastrian priesthood? Would a Jewish-Zoroastrian syncretism develop? Would Judaism spread into India?
What happens when Alexander comes along?
*Alternatively, what if Cyrus converts, starting this much earlier? He could take advantage of the virtually unconditional support of the Jews to create a Jewish-Persian empire (based in Jerusalem?)