Yehudis, the daughter of Yochanan the Kohen Gadol, lived in the city of Betulia. The city came under siege by the army of Holofernes, a cruel Syrian-Greek general. After some time, the Jews of the city, driven to hunger, were ready to surrender. Uzziah, the commander, agreed to this if no salvation came after 5 days. But Yehudis insisted that they put their faith in Hashem. She also came up with a plan. Accompanied by her maid, dressed in her best, she confidently entered the camp of Holofernes and requested to see him. She offered advice as to how he could successfully conquer the city and thus won his confidence. After a few days of going back and forth from Holofernes’ camp, offering him bits of information, she came one night with cheese and strong wine, which she fed him. Once he was completely drunk, she took his sword out of its sheath and cut off his head. She wrapped and concealed the frightful prize under some layers and brought it back to Uzziah. The Jewish army prepared a surprise attack on Holofernes’ camp, and when the enemy found their headless general, they fled for their lives.
Jewish year: 3621 – year of the revolt against the Greeks*
Secular year: 140 BCE – year of the revolt against the Greeks*
*There is a difference of opinion in regards to the actual dates.
Plastic Cups (we used 3.5 oz)
3 Plastic Bags
Cup
2 Bowls
2 Spoons
Popsicle sticks
Ingredients:
Cookies of your choice
2 Cups Greek Yogurt
1 Cup Frozen Berries
Any Cereal (we used Fruity Pebbles)
Separate the frozen berries into plastic bags based on their color, set aside to melt.
Put 2 broken up graham crackers into a plastic bag. Using a cup gently smash the graham crackers into small pieces, (not into a fine powder though). Set aside.
Once the berries are melted, use a cup to carefully smash as much as possible.
In each of the bowls place one cup of Greek yogurt. Empty one bag of melted berries into each bowl. Mix well.
Now its time to prep the ices! In each plastic cup place a few fruity pebbles (or cereal) onto the bottom.
Next, fill the majority of the cup with your fruit and yogurt mixture, playing around with the different colors as you’d like.
Lastly, place graham cracker over the top to completely cover. Put a popsicle stick straight down the middle and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Once frozen, place your hand around a cup to warm the outermost layer, pull it out, make a Bracha and enjoy you milchig Chanukah Treat!
Yehudis’ courage was monumental. Imagine how much bravery it took for her to carry out her plan! Because of her, an entire city of Jewish people was saved.
Like Yehudis, you too can act with courage. For example, standing up for a classmate who is being bullied or inviting them to play, even if this may mean that you’ll be looked down upon by your friends.
What type of situation in your life would require you to act with courage? And what brave actions would you take?