Chapter 8
George Washington

Everyone stared at Benjamin. “We’ve been studying about the American Revolution in school. George Washington’s army was badly outnumbered, but he created many successful battle plans and he won the war.”

“American Revolution? George Washington? More of your stories!! Who was this man you speak of?” asked Simon. “Was he a king?”

“No, he was . . . he was a great warrior fighting for freedom, just like the Maccabees,” Devorah said.

“How do you know this?” asked Simon. “Did your parents fight in this great battle or is this more of your magic?”

Benjamin laughed. “Our parents? No, that war happened a long time ago . . . I mean . . .” He stopped and looked at his sister.

Devorah tried to explain. “The American Revolution happened centuries before we were born. We learned about it in school . . . the teachers tell us about what happened in history.”

“I get it,” said Shoshana. “Our rabbi and our parents pass along the traditions and laws from the Torah. Where you come from, your rabbis do the same thing, right?”

Devorah nodded.

“Tell me more about these battle plans!” insisted Simon.

“I’ll tell you what I remember,” said Benjamin. “General Washington convinced the British army, his enemy, that the American soldiers were unorganized and exhausted. Then he tricked the British by having the American soldiers leave the camp and hide. Washington left fire rings burning, as if his troops were still there. He even put up stuffed clothes to look like people.”

Simon interrupted and asked, “What purpose was there in abandoning the camp?”

Benjamin continued. “The enemy, thinking it would be an easy victory, sent only a few of their troops to fight Washington’s men. The others stayed in their camp, resting. Washington swooped down with his army on the small group of soldiers, surprising them because they thought the camp was empty, and easily defeated them. Then Washington attacked the enemy command center where the remaining soldiers were resting.”

Simon shook his head. “This leader, Washington, took a big chance. The soldiers could easily have defeated his small army. I don’t think Judah would take such a risk.”

“It doesn’t matter what we think,” said Shoshana. She turned to Benjamin. “You must tell Judah what you know. Let him decide if this plan can work for the Maccabees.”

“He won’t be pleased to see you two again. But I’ll take you to him.” Simon motioned them to follow him.

The four children walked to the center of the camp. They found Judah pacing by the main campfire, hands clenched behind his back. He was arguing with another soldier. Devorah recognized the second man. It was Judah’s brother, Jonathan. What would these men think when they saw her and Benjamin again?

Judah drew his sword. “What magic has allowed you to keep your youth over these last two years? If you are not spies, then you are surely demons or sorcerers.”

“Judah,” said Shoshana, in defense of her friends. “It doesn’t matter how old they are. What’s important is that we’re struggling against a powerful enemy, and Benjamin has an idea that could help us win this war.”

“I will not be guided by the words of a child,” said Judah. “Especially a bewitched one!”

Jonathan interrupted. “Maybe we should listen to what he says, and then decide.”

Judah pursed his lips and nodded. “It is only because of my concern for the fate of my people that I agree to hear this plan.”

Benjamin described General Washington’s strategy.

Judah smiled and nodded. “It might work,” he whispered under his breath. He scowled at Benjamin. “Since we have no other option, we will try this plan of your Commander Washington. But for your sake, it had better prove successful!”

Benjamin turned to his sister as they all headed toward the main tent. “I just remembered something,” he said with a grin.

“What?” asked Devorah.

“George Washington got the idea for his plans . . . from reading about the Maccabees!”