Amos Oz's 'Judas' is a captivating novel set in Jerusalem during the winter of 1959-1960. It follows Shmuel Asch, a disillusioned student who takes a job as a live-in companion to an eccentric elderly scholar, Gershom Wald, while also becoming entangled with Wald's enigmatic daughter-in-law, Atalia Abravanel. The narrative delves into profound themes of Zionism, betrayal, and the re-examination of Judas Iscariot's historical role, presenting him as a loyal dissident rather than a simple traitor. Oz masterfully weaves a rich tapestry of intellectual debate, emotional turmoil, and historical reflection, offering a unique perspective on Israeli identity and the enduring power of ideas.