Suburban rabbi reflects on Miracle of Hanukkah

What was the miracle of Hanukkah? Rabbi Debra Orenstein reminds us that the miracle was the unlikely victory of the few fighting for religious freedom over the mighty army they opposed.

It was also the unlikely coalition of pietists, assimilationists, and centrists who all united in that fight. And it also was, of course, the miracle that a cruse of oil, large enough to light the menorah in the Temple for only one day, lasted for eight days - the exact period of time needed to purify more oil.

Rabbi Orenstein suggest that, "it is a miracle that Jews, in the days of the Maccabees and today, have managed to survive despite the appeal and acceptance of the general culture (disappearance through assimilation) and, equally, despite the ugly underbelly of intolerance in society (destruction through anti-Semitism, oppression, and war)."

It is a miracle that Jews who love and absorb the dominant culture are nevertheless willing to die for the right to remain Jews.

We talk about the Hanukkah miracle, but miracles abound in our own time if we will open our eyes and become aware of the wondrous blessings that surround us.

So as we celebrate the miracles that happened "during that season at this time," let us remember today's miracles of commitment, bravery, faith, light, loyalty to the holy, and opposition to the unholy.

May our own deeds then bring forth an enduring glow that penetrates the long winter nights and illuminates a path to a bright and meaningful future.

• Lifshitz is the Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Judea in Long Grove.