Jews have forever debated the miracle that we celebrate on Hanukkah. Is it about a military victory over the Greeks, or is about oil lasting longer than expected? But this year, I’m thinking differently about the miracle, one that isn’t described in the Talmud or other Jewish books as such.
In the aftermath of a desecrated Temple, there were Jews that entered and stood in their holiest of places. The Temple had been completely defiled and they chose to enter, believing that there could be a renewed future for them in that holy place. And when they found just a small jug of oil - surely not enough to light for more than one day - they could have decided it wasn’t worth it. The Temple must have been dark that day, literally and figuratively. But those Jews decided to bring just the tiniest bit of light into darkness, taking a leap of faith. They didn’t know it would’ve lasted longer than one day - how could they have known? They acted with bravery and courage when they lit that small bit of oil. It was their bravery that allowed the miracle of the oil to happen at all.
The miracle as described in the Talmud, perhaps it isn’t just about oil, but it’s also about us. Maybe it wasn’t just that oil lasted much longer than expected, but a reminder that there are those that didn’t think we would last. But our light continues to shine bright; we are the miracle. Every time we light, every moment we exist as proud Jews, we are the miracle.
It is a testament to what we can accomplish when we act with bravery. It’s a testament to what we’ve stood for for over 2,000 years and all the light we bring to the world. It would sometimes be easier to stay in the dark place, to feel there is no hope. But we can learn from our ancient ancestors who stood in that dark Temple that one small step can enable a miracle. When we each light our menorah, with courage and bravery, we are a part of the miracle that is our continued observance, our pride, and our strength.
I pray that this is a Hanukkah of many miracles. I pray that our light helps illuminate the darkness.
Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Sarit
P.S. Please join me in taking pictures of you with your Hanukkah lights and tagging them on Facebook with #LightsofBethSholom
