Honor an overlooked Jewish matriarch this Hannukah by breaking out the cheese board.

by Jamie Hausman

The story of Hanukkah is not unlike many other stories that surround Jewish holidays. Jews were being oppressed. Check. The Jews found a way to beat their oppressors despite being outnumbered and ill-equipped. Check. A miracle occurred that showed G-d was on their side. Check. Jewish men get all the glory. Check.

Up until modern times, it was unlikely for temples to even include the matriarchs of Judaism in prayers that included their male counterparts. I can just hear Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah now. “Who cooks for you? Who cleans for you? Who bears your children?” Jewish guilt is nothing new.  What is new is all the Jewish women, who fought hard for their religion alongside their husbands, brothers and sons, are coming out of the woodwork.

Take the story of Judith, for example. This is the first year that I have even heard that story, and it’s quite interesting. Judith was a beautiful widow who became dissatisfied with the way her Jewish countrymen were fighting for their freedom. She decided to take it upon herself to visit the general of the opposing army, wining and dining him until he passed out drunk. Her beauty allowed her access to his tent, where she decapitated him and brought his head to the Israelites, who then launched a surprise attack on an army without a leader. Talk about the power of hospitality. Now, we eat cheese on Hanukkah to commemorate her wining and dining tactics.

This year, along with my favorite slow-cooker brisket, jelly donuts and perfect potato latkes, I added some cheese to the mix. I chose a lovely soft French camembert, but for a great guide, click to see my cheese plate pointers. I also set out some locally made goat cheese as a topping for the latkes. They were exquisite!

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Jamie Hausman writes our Whisk ‘Til Combined column. She’s a Chicago native, Mizzou graduate and a resident of Atlanta, Ga. She adores her adopted home and spends her time writing, editing and pitching stories to local and national online publications, as well as exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants. Check her out on Twitter @jamiehausman.