Did you know that on Chanukah, after the candles are lit, it is a tradition for the women of the house to stop any household chores and sit by the light of the flames? Yes ladies, put down those frying pans, take off that apron and just sit down and put your feet up!
So why all this luxury? Of course it goes with out saying that behind the men who revolted against the Syrian-Greek tyranny were women of iron resolve. Women who would rather their children give up their lives than submit to the wicked decrees of the evil Antiochus.
However, in a special case, behind the scene resolve was not enough. There is a story that first appeared in a very ancient book named after its heroine, Yehudit (Judith). Yehudit was the daughter of the high priest Yochanan, a member of the famous Hasmonian family (of the Maccabees) and she lived in the town of Bethulia. Bethulia was under siege by Holofernes, a mighty Syrian-Greek general who led a huge army.
Holofernes was known for showing no mercy when crushing a rebellion. Seeing that he could not take the fortified town by force, he decided to starve them into submission by cutting off their food and water supply.
Hungry and thirsty and in utter despair, the townspeople decided to give in. Uzzia, the commander, begged the people to give him five more days. If no salvation came, they would indeed surrender.
The people of Bethulia reluctantly agreed, but one woman spoke up. She was a young widow know far and wide for her extraordinary charm, grace and good deeds. Her name was Yehudit and she said:
“Why are you testing G-d with only five days with which to send his help? You must never give up your faith in him. Besides, don’t you know that giving in to Holofernis is worse then death?”
Yehudit then offered a plan. She asked permission to leave town with her maid to go the camp of Holofernis.
“Just as G-d once sent his salvation through a woman, Yael, the wife of Heber, to whom G-d delivered the cruel Sissera into her hands, so too can he do it now.”
The shocked elders tired to dissuade Yehudit from undertaking such a dangerous mission, but she insisted that she be allowed to try.
The next morning Yehudit, dressed in her best clothes (ones she hadn’t worn since the passing of her husband), with a delicate veil covering her face, left the town with a basket filled with rolls, cheese and wine.
When she came to the camp, she asked to be taken to the brave Holofernis, promising to tell him the way to capture the town in hope that he will deal mercifully with its inhabitants.
Holofernis was completely captivated by the intelligent and beautiful Yehudit and was willing to listen to what she had to say.
“Before long every scrap of kosher food will be gone, and as soon as the people begin eating the flesh of unclean animals, G-d will turn against them and the town will fall.”
This sounded plausible to the general and he agreed to give Yehudit the freedom to go and come from the town so as to report back to him. He promised her that as soon as the town fell she would become his wife.
The camp soon became used to seeing Yehudit and her maid strolling to and from the gates of town and they attracted little attention.
On the third day Holofernis was becoming impatient, wanting more then just conversation with his lovely spy. She assured him that once out of kosher food, the town would begin eating their dogs and mules.
Holofernis was ecstatic, seeing victory close at hand!
“This calls for a celebration, tonight we will have a party just you and I.”
As Yehudit entered the general’s tent that night she saw a table full of delicacies before her. When Holofernis urged her to partake she told him that she had brought her own food that she had prepared especially for the occasion.
“My goat cheese is famous throughout Bethulia, general; I am sure you’ll enjoy it.”
He did, and Yehudit fed him piece after piece and he washed it down with the aged wine.
Before long Holofernis lay sprawled out on his pillow, completely inebriated.
Yehudit quickly muttered a desperate prayer:
“Answer me, Oh lord, as you answered Yael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, and deliver this cruel man to my hand. Let the nations know that you have not forsaken us!”
Yehudit unsheathed the general’s special sword and taking aim at his neck brought the sword down with all her might.
After composing herself, she wrapped the head of the general in rags and hid it in her basket. Walking at a leisurely pace, she collected her maid and left the camp for the gates of the city.
Uzzia was astounded when he saw the gruesome gift that she had brought him.
“Be quick,” Yehudit urged, “there is no time to lose. Assemble your men and attack at daybreak. When they run to tell their general and see his slain body they will flee for their lives.”
That is exactly what happened! The enemy fled, leaving many valuables behind. It was an amazing victory and the heroic deed of the brave Yehudit inspired faith and courage for many years to come.
So ladies, tonight, the first night of Chanukah, and for every night thereafter, stop all your domestic or other distractions and suppress the urge to rush back to another chore. Instead, sit down, gaze into the flickering lights, starting small but ending strong, and harness your inner mighty warrior!
Have a happy and victorious Chanukah!
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Rochie – this is a timely commentary on the story of Judith. At our Eastside Torah Center Hannukah party last Friday, when we played “Taboo,” I picked the word “Yehudis.” I was not familiar with the Hebrew name of Judith, and only superficially familiar with the story of Judith. Thanks for your enlightening and inspiring essay. This evening I luxuriated on the sofa after we lit the Hanukah Menorah!
–Francine