This review was previously published in the December 2018 issue of Chai Notes.
Although Hanukkah is one of the most popular Jewish holidays, many Jews only know the bare bones of the story
of the Maccabean revolt, and the books of Maccabees are not even part of the Hebrew scriptures. Also, even as told in those sources, it is mainly a tale of men and battles, with little of the effect the revolt might have had on the everyday lives of both men and women.
Angela Elwell Hunt, who has written several novels featuring biblical women, fills this gap by imagining the story of 
the wife of Judah Maccabee, the most famous of the five sons of Mattathias the priest. BAR MITZVAH OF NOAH GARSONEscaping from an abusive family situation, Leah dreams of finding peace with the strong yet gentle man who has defended her, only to find him chosen as the warrior who will save Judea from the Seleucid persecution. One of her most difficult tasks is resolving this tension and finding her own role in the revolt and the events that follow. The story is told in alternating chapters by Leah and Judah, which allows the reader to follow the deepening relationship between them, as well as the larger historical events taking place around them.
Although she is a Christian writer, Hunt has obviously done her research and respects the Jewish integrity of the story, and her book can be enjoyed by Jews as well as Christians.
Judah’s Wife can be obtained through the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library system.
Leslie Jaszczak
Last Updated on 12/06/2021 by Marc Slonim