Yehudit Canvas

Description

By Miriam Anzovin 

“When I think of the story of Judith, I think of the line “All the glory of the king’s daughter is internal” — כל כבודה … and how often women are told to stay home, stay quiet, stay unseen. But here is a Jewish woman who became a hero and saved her people by doing exactly the opposite – knowing when, sometimes, one must take bold action, one must be brave. I also chose Judith because of how the story centers two women working together to achieve the goal – Judith and her maid, who I have depicted side by side, partners in the events of the Judith story

Women rely on other women, and although Judith took the leadership role and initiative, her maid went with her as a team

 They leave the tent of Holofernes triumphant, the maid looking back with a small smile at their unexpected achievement

Judith looks to the horizon, and looks forward to telling her people they are saved

 Both of these women are proud, as they should be, of what they accomplished when men were too afraid to get the job done

Judith is a personal hero to me as she is to many Jewish women, and in her I find inspiration for the type of Jewish woman I want to be – know when to follow my heart, know when I CAN achieve something even when the rest of the world thinks I can’t, and be willing to risk everything for am Yisroel.”

About The Artist

Miriam Anzovin is a visual artist, writer, content creator, and massive Jewish nerd, exploring the juxtaposition of pop culture, nerd culture, and Jewish culture. 

In the #DafReactions series on social media, she shares her practice of daily study of the Babylonian Talmud in the Daf Yomi cycle from the viewpoint of a formerly Orthodox, now secular, Millennial feminist. The videos are her authentic reactions, with commentary both heartfelt and comedic, putting ancient discourse in direct communication with modern internet culture, pop culture, and current events.
Find Miriam’s art portfolio at www.miriamanzovin.com, and follow her (@MiriamAnzovin) on TikTok, Instagram, Youtube, Threads, and BlueSky.