In the days of lighting candles from left to right
(or right to left)
of gelt and dreidels,
singalongs and latke parties,
of remembering and publicizing the miracle of survival,
let us also remember the pious and beautiful young widow
who walked demurely and fearlessly
into the tent of the enemy.
Her arms as strong as her faith,
she served him salty cheese pancakes and strong wine,
then walked home, her people saved, his head in her bag.
At the head of the month of Tevet,
when the new moon nudges into view,
we offer our blessing for renewal
on her night of triumph:
may we celebrate this heroine of Judea
by observing on this night Hag HaBanot,
the Festival of Daughters.
In the merit of Judith
let us rejoice in strong Jewish women:
keepers and transmitters of memories,
recipes, heirlooms and heritage
sustainers and saviors of the Jewish people,
bringers of light in the darkest times.
Painting by McKenzie Wren from Women of the Hebrew Bible Calendar
