Book Blurb:
In the ancient Greek world, under King Antiochus IV, Judaism was forbidden. Faced with the desecration of their Temple in Jerusalem and the imposition of Hellenistic rituals by their Seleucid rulers, the Maccabees rose in defiance. Led by Judas Maccabee and his brothers, they embarked on a relentless struggle against tyranny and religious persecution.
Join the Maccabees as they fight to reclaim their faith, resisting the Seleucid king and the Hellenizing Temple priests who sought to impose Greek culture on their land. Will they succeed in securing the right to practice Judaism as commanded by God? Can they drive out the oppressive Seleucids and restore freedom to their people?
Discover the origins of Hanukkah and its significance for the Jewish people in this gripping tale of courage, faith, and the enduring power of resistance.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/O7wly
Author Bio:
SHIMON AVISH writes about significant events in ancient Jewish history. His work draws on his adventures in soldiering, farming, product design, cabinet making, political science, international business consulting, and living in the U.S., Canada, and Israel. He completed his doctoral degree in political science at Columbia University in the City of New York and was a Fulbright-Hays Fellow.
Editorial Review: “Rededication: The Hanukkah Story”
Author: Shimon Avish
“"I've told you many times, Yehuda, you cannot befriend the lambs and name them. They will all be sacrificed eventually. You know that, yet you persist. What am I going to do with you?"
Behind Abbah's back, I could see Yochanan smiling, already knowing where this confrontation was heading. But I was too young and did not yet appreciate my father's resoluteness in all matters related to the observance of Jewish practices.
"Which is your special lamb, Yehuda?" Abbah asked. I looked away from the holding pen, determined not to give Beshi away. "Yehuda, your heart is too gentle for this world of ours, son. Now tell me which lamb is your special one, and I will make it a special sacrifice. Come, son," he said gently, "show me."
"It is the one with the black tips on its ears," Yochanan said. "That's what makes it so special."”
Readers of “Rededication: The Hanukkah Story” by Shimon Avish will be transported into the turbulence of Ancient Greece and then Jerusalem, around 160 BCE. Religious differences become the flashpoint, creating war, division and a pivotal turning point in Jewish history. But even in times of major social and cultural upheaval there is still sibling rivalry; more than that, an older brother who will deliberately point out his brother’s favourite lamb for sacrifice. It’s a powerful image; but is it an innocent mistake or something more?
“Rededication” is written in the first person, from Yehuda’s point of view, as both a child and then as an adult. The child who is anxious over a lamb becomes an adult who challenges a king, demanding the right to practice their own faith. The story moves along swiftly, and although Avish is careful to confirm the fictional aspects of this historical novel, the characterization of Abbah [“Father”] and his sons Yochanan and Yehuda is relatable, and sets the scene for the rest of the novel. Vivid descriptions of ancient life are woven into the narrative, including the streets, the markets, the routines of daily life. Against this hustle and bustle there are darker themes emerging - the tension over the Tamid sacrifice, conflict within the Temple, and then the start of the uprising against the Seleucid Empire.
The scenes where King Antiochus IV “visits” his people in various regions are well-crafted, showing the king’s disdain for what is termed a “Temple cult” and his insistence on the worship of Zeus. Throughout the narrative, the author contrasts family tension (and bonds) with the wider religious divide, as Yehuda tries to deal with his brother (remember the lamb?) his loyalty to his father, and the personal duty he feels to protect his religion. This continued connection between both the internal and external challenges that Yehuda faces shows his strength, for he is not facing only one crisis.
“Later, I received numerous reports from my scouts positioned above the Greek camp, and they informed me that the enemy seemed to be readying some sort of action. Toward late afternoon, a scout arrived with intelligence that the Greeks had dispatched a force in the direction of Mitzpah, and they were taking a mountain path that would keep them out of sight but, ultimately, lead them directly to our base camp. I ordered my commanders to identify one in twenty men to remain behind. These men were selected for their bravery and speed because they would serve as a diversion by lighting fires to make it appear that normal camp activities were taking place. Then, when the Greeks attacked the camp, thinking our entire army was present, our men would run to predetermined escape routes and hide in the forest nearby. With their best soldiers left stranded and confused, we would be free to set upon the bulk of their force back at their own camp.
As the novel progresses, the author’s writing style changes, and because the story is written from Yehuda’s point of view, it becomes more of a summary, or recounting, of events. While this approach does fit with the overall narrative, some readers may find themselves distanced from the action and as though they are reading an historical account. When Yehuda is portrayed as such a pivotal and determined figure, this reviewer would have enjoyed reading further scenes written with more immediacy.
“Still mounted on his horse and looking down his nose, the king's advisor began: "People of," and with a raised eyebrow, he turned to an aide and said, "Where are we?" We heard some whispers, and the grand advisor to the distant king began again. "People of Modi'in, perhaps you have or have not yet heard of the new laws promulgated by your high priest, Menelaus, but from this day forward, you will no longer offer sacrifices to your god without simultaneously offering sacrifices to the Greek pantheon of gods, including, and especially, to Zeus, the greatest of them all." A rumble went through the crowd, and people looked to Abbah.
"Is it true?"
Abbah opened his mouth to speak, but the king's official beat him to it.
“Rededication: The Hanukkah Story” by Shimon Avish is a fascinating glimpse into ancient times and the religious rifts and differences that have shaped some of the world’s major religions. The book is an absorbing read, not only for the details included about everyday ancient life and religion, but also for the compelling depiction of Yehuda and his family as they struggle to protect their beliefs.
*****
"Rededication: The Hanukkah Story” by Shimon Avish receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
Comments