Judith
Judith is an apocryphal character. While she does not appear in the Tanakh, versions of her story are found both in the Apocrypha and Rabbinic literature. In the Book of Judith, she was a widow who snuck into the Assyrian camp and won over their general Holofernes before beheading him.
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The Heroic Deception of JudithSECOND TEMPLE
The Heroic Deception of Judith
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Judith's strategic use of beauty and deception showcases her bravery and cunning in saving her people. The Book of Judith, part of the Apocrypha, tells the story of a widow who uses her beauty and cunning to defeat the Assyrian general Holofernes.
Dairy Foods and Jewish ResistanceHALAKHAH
Dairy Foods and Jewish Resistance
HALAKHAH
The custom of eating dairy foods on Chanukah is linked to the story of Judith, who used milk to defeat an enemy, symbolizing Jewish resistance to Greek oppression. In the Ben Ish Hai, Rabbi Yosef Chaim of Baghdad connects this custom to the broader theme of Jewish defiance against decrees that targeted key mitzvot.
Judith's BraverySECOND TEMPLE
Judith's Bravery
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Judith's bravery led to the Assyrian army's fear and flight, showcasing her heroism and divine intervention. The Book of Judith, an apocryphal work, tells the story of a heroic woman who seduces and kills an enemy general, saving Israel from oppression.
