Judah's wife

a novel of the Maccabees

Plot

Escaping a difficult childhood, Leah finds peace when she marries a man from the nation of Judah, until a decree from the ruler of the land puts her newfound peace and the entire Jewish heritage at risk.

Seeking peace and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life believes she can rest easily. But the land is ruled by Antiochus IV, and when he issues a decree that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws upon pain of death, devout Jews risk everything to follow the law of Moses. Judah's father resists the decree, and is cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. What kind of God would destroy the peace Leah has sought for so long?