The Story of Judith: A Hannukah Heroine – Special Lunch ‘n’ Learn w/ Rabbi Dr. Matthew Kraus

Even though the Book of Judith is set in the Babylonian period and does not mention Chanukah, Maccabees, or miraculous oil, it has long been associated with the holiday as this Italian Chanukah lamp with the figure of Judith indicates.  What is the connection between this powerful, independent, eloquent, and savvy woman and the Festival of Lights? Why is the Book of Judith written in Greek?  Why is she often depicted holding some guy’s head in her hand? Why does she never remarry after becoming a widow?  Why does the Ammonite Achior convert to Judaism and what is he doing in Judith’s story? Learn the answers to these questions and more.  Her oft neglected story is fascinating and has much to teach us about Chanukah and Judaism!