Yehuda, one of 5 brothers, was the son of Matisyahu the Chashmonai. He was the mightiest of the brothers and led the Maccabees’ revolt against the Greeks. There are varying accounts of this era, but according to one opinion, Yehuda was killed early on in the war, while another version recounts that he led the battle to victory, rededicated the Bais Hamikdash, and then led the Jewish people as the Kohen Gadol for 3 years, before being killed in another battle.
Jewish year: 3628 – year he was killed
Secular year: 133 BCE
4 Colors of Tissue Paper Cut Into 1-inch Squares (we used black, yellow, & different shades of blue and pink)
6×6 Styrofoam Square
Cardstock
Printed Template
Glue
Mod Podge
Scissors
2 Push Pins
Small Sponge
Medium Paintbrush or Pencil
Gold Acrylic Marker
Black Sharpie
Cut template out and secure onto Styrofoam square using push pins. With the sharpie, trace over the shield a few times over, until the outline bleeds into the square.
Trace over the four letters with the sharpie so they’re especially clear.
Starting with the middle section of the shield, glue pieces of tissue paper (we used different shades of blue) in order to cover the entire area.
Using the back of a paintbrush or the tip of a pencil, gently push the tissue paper into the square. Repeat until the bottom section is completely covered (we used different shades of pink).
Using this same technique cover the top section of the shield in black…
… And the entire background in yellow.
With the Gold acrylic marker, carefully trace the letters over until they are nice and bold. Then mod podge over the entire middle with the small sponge.
To finish off, make a stand by cutting a strip of cardstock and folding it into a triangle, using a push pin, press into the back of the square. Enjoy!
He was named Yehuda after the original Yehuda, son of Yaakov, because of his lion-like strength.
Yehuda HaMaccabee, along with his father and brothers, waged war against the Greeks for one reason: to fight against Hellenism and protect Torah values. He upheld Hashem’s honor and had a major role in the miraculous victory over the Greeks. Yehuda gave all of his energy, and ultimately his life, for this purpose. This won him and the other Maccabees the title of heroes in the Chanukah story.
We too can be heroes who uphold the Torah. While Yehuda died for the Torah, our job is to live for it. We can do this by giving our energy and passion toward Torah causes. For example, in your free time, you can make a bake sale and raise money for an organization that teaches and spreads Torah.
What is a Torah cause that you can get involved in? How will you help?