As a Hebrew educator you’ve likely covered the Maccabees and the miracle of oil countless times. But what if you introduced a lesser-known story that highlights women’s courage and ties into Hanukkah traditions like Id al-Banat? The Book of Judith, from the apocrypha, offers an interesting lesson with cultural echoes in Jewish communities.
Classroom Tips from a Fellow Educator
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Hook: Show Caravaggio’s painting of Judith beheading Holofernes and ask students what they think is the story behind it.
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Discussion: Why do you think later Jews linked this to Hanukkah?
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Activity: Have the student act out Judith’s monologue or write a letter to the Jewish people of the time.
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Extension: Explore Id al-Banat – print recipes for North African dairy treats and discuss how customs preserve stories.
- Writing: Encourage students to write their worksheet answers using Hebrew cursive letters.
- Music: Teach the classic Sevivon Sov Sov Sov to end the lesson on a high note (pun intended).
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