With ashes upon their turbans: Good News Translation has “They put ashes on their turbans…” and Contemporary English Version “They also sprinkled ashes on….” Turbans were head coverings made by wrapping a long piece of linen around the head and fastening it. They were worn by the priests (compare Ezek 44.18). In cultures where turbans are worn, there will be no trouble finding a suitable term. But in cultures where turbans are not used or are unknown, there may be a suitable term that refers to anything worn around the head. In some cultures it will be necessary to give an explanation; for example, “a piece of cloth wrapped around the head as a covering.”

They cried out to the Lord with all their might may be expressed as “they prayed as loud as they could to the Lord” or “they prayed to the Lord, crying out with all their strength [or, hearts].”

To look with favor upon the whole house of Israel: Look with favor upon means “have mercy on” (Good News Translation) or “be kind to.” The whole house of Israel may also be rendered “all the people of Israel.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Judith. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.