Her’s yet another Chanuka story to share.
According to the Book of Judith (which is NOT part of our Tora), Nevuchadnezer was the longest reigning Babylonian king. (An aside. He was responsible for the hanging gardens of Babylon.) He aggressively sought control of the Levant. In that purpose, he dispatched Holofernes. Once the land was under control, the only god permissible was Nevuchadnezer. ‘
Holofernes’ next target was Israel, which actively resisted the Babylonians. (That was despite being warned against attacking Israel by Achior (lead of the Ammonites). Yeah, deaf ears. He laid siege to the city of Bethulia (Meseleh)- but that could have been Yerushayim (Jerusalem). The water supply was blocked and the city was near folding.
Enter Judith, a widow of three years, who like the rest of the inhabitants are on the brink of starvation. She takes it in her mind that she can change the situation- despite the faithlessness of the Jewish leaders. (Isn’t that the Tora renders all of our failures which leads to invasion or defeat?) She notifies the bunch of her co-residents that she is going to solve the problem ‘b’ezrat Hashem” (the help of the Supreme Being).
She strips off her mourning garb, envelopes herself in the finest jewels, gathers some wine and cheese, and goes off with her maid. Right to Holofernes’ camp. Holofernes is dazzled by her beauty and demands “Who are you? Where do you come from? Where do you wish to go?”
Judith’s response- “I have heard of your wisdom and skill, and since Israel has sinned, I know that you will conquer the city and take possession of it, so I came to save myself and my father’s household when you take the city.”
She seemingly provides Holofernes plans to conquer the city from the inside, so Holofernes invited her into his tent. (He is planning to seduce her, kind readers.)
Setting up a feast, Holofernes drinks more wine than he has before, anticipating his great victory. Judith keeps feeding wine and cheese (her weapons of choice). [Remember Yael in the time of Dvora? This is similar to her dispatch of Sisera.] Yes, Holofernes passes out.
At that time, Judith grabs Holofernes’ sword and beheads him. Taking the head in her bag (the one she used to bring the goodies), and disappears from the tent with her maid- she then returns to her city.
She demands the guards display Holofernes’ head over the city walls. When sunrise comes, the troops see the spectacle and head for the hills. At which time, the Jews enter the enemy camp and plunder it. Especially the food.
Judith is awarded Holofernes’ tent and possessions, as the citizens laud her action in song and dance. Judith thanks Hashem for granting her the courage to work out this plan and the strength to save her people. (This seems to continue for about three months.)
Judith never remarries, lives to 105, and frees her maid.
This is the reason why a significant portion of Jews not only avoid meat during the Chanuka holiday, but also add cheeses to the daily menu. (You do remember that we eat latkes, another fried food, during this holiday, right?) And, there’s a lot of frying, to commemorate the miracle of the oil.
Chag Sameach.
