Chag haBanot, The Festival of Daughters,
1 Tevet 5779/December 9, 2018
In the North African countries Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, Jewish women celebrate Chag haBanot, the Festival of Daughters, on the night and the day of the first full moon following the beginning of Hanukkah, usually 1 Tevet. This occasion honors Judith's triumph over the invasion and attempted annexation of her little village Bethulia by Nebuchadnezzar's chief general Holofernes, The story can be found in the Apocrypha, the Book of Judith.
Carlo Francesco Nuvolone, Judith with the Head of Holofernes, c. 1650
Typical of biblical female characters, Judith wields her power through seduction and subterfuge - bait and switch. In this case, this widow has waited for the village elders to save the citizens from death or conquest. Holofernes has cut off the water supply in order to pressure the village into surrender. Inpatient and angry, Judith changes into magnificent clothes (inappropriate for one who mourns), enlists her maidservant as her chaperon and together they present themselves to the sentries guarding the encampment of Holofornes' army. With a sack of wine and cheese in hand, Judith claims to have crucial information for the general.
Jean-Antoine-Jules Le Conte de Nouy, Judith, 1875
What harm could women do among such fierce men? The guards lead the women to Holofernes' quarters where Judith proceeds to ply this formidable foe with plenty of cheese that delivers a mighty thirst for plenty of wine. Thoroughly drunk as he lounges in regal style for his meal, Holofornes decides to arrange himself for Judith's pleasuring, completely unaware he facilitates Judith's scheme. Ready for sex or slumber, Judith seizes this opportunity to grab Holofernes' sword, chop off the general's head, quickly stash the severed part in her sack, and depart with her maidservant. The assassination defeats Nebuchadnezzar's forces. From then on, Bethulia knew only peace and prosperity thanks to Judith's heroic deed.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Beheading Holofernes, 1620
Here are a few customs for Chag haBanot:
- Women gather at the synagogue, touch the Torah,
and
pray for the health of their daughters.
- Women plan and participate in a feast on the eve of 1 Tevet.
- Cheese dishes are featured for the festive meal.
- Mothers
give gifts to their daughters.
- Bridegrooms give gifts to their brides.
- Disagreements among women are reconciled.
- Women of all ages dance together.
- Women give their inheritances to the next generation.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith and her Maidservant, 1612-13
In Christian art, Judith personifies the Church in terms of Fortitude, Justice, Humility, and Chastity. During the Counter-Reformation, Judith's selfless action became a source of inspiration to stay faithful to the Church,
Alessandro Botticelli, Judith and Her Maidservant, 1472
Caravaggio, Judith Slaying Holofernes, 1598-99
Cristofano Allori, Judith and the Head of Holofernes, 1613
Valentin de Boulogne, Judith Slaying Holofernes, 1626
Donatello, Judith and Holofernes, 1460
As a symbol on the Hanukkah menorah (Hanukkiyah), she parallels the courage of the Maccabees to fight against tyranny and for religious freedom. I believe that the choice of Judith for Western European hanukkiyot seems less threatening than the figure of Judah Maccabee, whose story reminds the Jewish people of rage and rebellion. Judith in Christian and Jewish contexts signifies goodness triumphing over evil.
Italian, Anonymous, Judith on a Hanukah Menorah (Hanukkiyah), late 16th-17th century
German, Johann Adam Boller, Judith on Hannukiyan c. 1705-32,
Jewish Museum, NY, gift of Frida Schiff Warburg
German, Johannes Valentin Schüler, Judith Hanukkiyah, Jewish Museum, Frankfurt
Happy Hanukkah to all with best wishes for Chag haBanot - tonight: the last candle
Chag Urim Sameach (Best wishes for the Festival of Lights) -
Beth New York
aka Beth S. Gersh-Nesic, Ph.D.
Director
New York Arts Exchange
