The Story of Judith

Many people know that it is customary to eat latkes—potato pancakes and sufganiot—jelly donuts on Chanukah but did you know that there is also the custom of eating dairy foods, particularly cheese on Chanukah? This custom has its origins in the story of Judith who played a significant if lesser known role in the story of Chanukah.

Although the story of Judith does not relate directly to that of the Maccabees, it is significant to the Chanukah story insofar as Judith single-handedly secures a tremendous victory for the Jewish people. Judith’s story is told in the Book of Judith. The Book of Judith is not included in the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible but is instead part of the apocrypha—books which, for one reason or another did not make it into the scriptural canon.

Judith’s story occurs shortly after the Jewish people have returned to the Land of Israel following their seventy year exile in Babylon—modern-day Iraq. The Second Temple has just been built. Nebuchadnezzar is, according to the text the ruler of Niniveh and Assyria and as the book opens he is in the midst of waging an all-out war, completely decimating entire populations. All peace offerings are swiftly rebuffed. Upon learning of the damage and destruction that Nebuchadnezzar’s army under the leadership of his general, Holofernes has caused, the Jewish people begin to fortify the Land of Israel. Upon hearing of the measures that they have taken, Nebuchadnezzar asks about the Jews and from where they came. Learning of their devotion to the one G-d, Nebuchadnezzar is enraged that anyone would question his divinity and is determined to prove to the Jews that they cannot rely upon their G-d to defend them.

Holofernes and his many thousands of soldiers begin their attack on the Land of Israel through a siege on the city of Bethulia, cutting off both its food and water supplies. After many days of starvation and relentless thirst, the people are ready to surrender, saying that it would be better to be enslaved and live than to die. The elders of the city ask for five more days, at the end of which they assure the people that G-d will come to their aid and if not, they will surrender the city.

Here is where Judith comes in. Judith is a widow, her husband, Manasseh having died three and a half years before during the barley harvest. She is very devout, fasting all of the time save for Friday and Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh (the beginning of the new month) and all Jewish holidays. Additionally she inherited a substantial estate after Manasseh’s death. Judith confronts the elders and implores them to have faith despite all odds, reminding them of times throughout Jewish history when G-d came to the aid of the Jewish people. Her faith in G-d not withstanding, she also tells them that she has a plan and wishes to execute it immediately but will not relate any of the details.

That same night, Judith decks herself out in her finest clothing, jewelry and ointments and, along with her maid, makes her way out of Bethulia and to Holofernes’ camp. She spends three days with Holofernes, claiming that she is from the Hebrews but is fleeing them and has joined with him and his men so that she can provide him with the best intelligence possible. This, combined with her unparalleled beauty completely enchants him and she is given the best treatment possible. On the third night, a special banquet is held. Judith sees to it that Holofernes is constantly plied with wine until he falls into a drunken stupor. Seizing the opportunity placed before her, Judith takes Holofernes’ own sword and kills him. She and her maid then leave Holofernes’ camp with his head which is presented at the city gates of Bethulia and put upon the ramparts of the city immediately.

The next day, a surprise attack is launched against Holofernes’ men by the Israelites and the Assyrians quickly retreat. Judith remains a widow for the remainder of her life though in the wake of her enormous and single-handed victory, a victory which saved her people many men wish to marry her. Her bravery will be remembered for many centuries, states the text, as it was until relatively recently.

Judith is certainly not a flawless heroine. She uses her charms and beauty to entice Holofernes and once he’s in her corner she takes his life. While her story may strike many people as deeply problematic, Judith is also a woman who is willing to stand her ground and take direct and decisive action when she believed it to be warranted. One interesting lesson from her story is that despite her piety, she does not rely simply upon faith but takes matters into her own hands.

So, how does cheese relate to Judith’s story, you might be wondering? According to the Mishnah Berurah, Judith was the daughter of Yochanan, the High Priest. Every virgin bride was required to sleep with the governor of Assyria prior to her wedding day. Judith gave the governor a copious amount of cheese which made him sleepy, took his sword and decapitated him, saving all future brides from such exploitation. It is interesting to note how substantially different this later accounting of Judith’s story is from the original text.

Judith’s story has become better known in recent years. There is much to unpack and ponder in it.