Chanukah has become an almost world-wide known holiday of lights. Just before the Christmas tree is set- the Jews whisk out their menorah and hallelujah! Candles, gifts and Chanukah “carols” are embraced and celebrated all over English speaking countries (and o’, of course- Israel too…).
What is the reason of celebration?
Many answers have been given. I would like to offer yet another insight, perhaps less illuminated.
Indeed, there is no way to belittle the miraculous victory of few Jewish men over an armed army of the Greek empire (!) but isn’t that the story of every holiday we celebrate? God has also smitten the mighty Egyptians and split the sea for His people. In a month and a half we’ll, God willing, celebrate the downfall of Haman and our salvation from the Persian Empire which held the flag of anti-Semitism in those days… and so on and so forth.
If we were appreciative enough, we would not have ceased to praise Hashem for his every-day miracles too. Those redundant wonders that we take for granted; babies that are born, the sun that keeps shining no matter how much we abuse the ozone, and all those fascinating achievements we encounter on an every-day basis usually without pausing to think of our source of inspiration. And how on earth are we not washed away from a planet which is covered and founded on two thirds water?!
Point is: there was something else in the miracle of Chanukah. A new idea for us to learn from and appreciate: the eight day oil miracle only happened a t t h e e n d. but the ongoing fighting (that went on for 20 years!) was a day to day lesson. The believing and God fearing Jews stood for what they saw right, against all odds. Day after day, year after year, battle after battle.
The fact that the human spirit can derive from his soul the spiritual power to hold up; the courage to fight for what one believes is right without knowing the end result, but doing what he feels he should nevertheless. That is the epitome of living up to your ideals. That is education for the generations after. If you do what you have to do. And if you do what is right- God will be at your side.
The olive oil that lasted 8 days- will prove it!