Chanukah is far more than a historical commemoration; it is a deeply resonant source of spiritual, moral and national guidance. The triumph of light over darkness, symbolized by the menorah’s flames, is eternal. As part of our liturgy we say, “You delivered the wicked into the hands of the righteous… and for your people, Israel, you worked a great victory and salvation just like this very day.” Reading this, it implies that we are to view the stories of Chanukah as being relevant and instructive to that which is taking place in current time. Embedded in the story of Chanukah are profound lessons of perseverance, faith, and the ultimate power of righteousness that apply to this very day.
The Talmud (Shabbat 21b) recounts the well-known miracle of the oil. When the Maccabees reclaimed the Temple, they found only a single jar of pure oil, enough for one day. Miraculously, it burned for eight days until new oil could be prepared. This event is not merely about divine intervention but also reflects the importance of faith and action. The Maccabees could have waited for sufficient oil or lamented their limited resources, but they chose to act despite uncertainty. The story of Chanukah, of the symbolism of light overcoming darkness, reminds us that a small spark of faith can ignite enduring hope.
Throughout history, Jewish communities have found inspiration and hope in the celebration of Chanukah. Lighting the menorah serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people and their ability to overcome adversity. The act of kindling lights during the darkest time of the year also carries a symbolic message of bringing light into the world and dispelling darkness.
In contemporary times, the lessons of Chanukah resonate deeply. The battle for light over darkness is not confined to ancient history; it is a recurring theme in the Jewish experience. In the current struggles faced by Israel and the Jewish people worldwide, the perseverance and faith of the Maccabees inspire us to continue fighting for our values and existence.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, highlighted the universal and eternal message of the menorah: Even a small light can dispel great darkness in both a spiritual and global context. The Rebbe saw the message of Chanukah as universal, emphasizing the idea that light can overcome darkness in all aspects of life. By kindling the menorah, we affirm that each of us has the power to illuminate the world, especially during turbulent times. As public menorah lightings bring this message to communities globally, they also emphasize the need for unity and shared responsibility in spreading light.
We celebrate the eight days of Chanukah, remembering the Maccabean victory and the rededication of the Temple in the year 164 BCE. However, the civil war among the Jews, the revolt that took place and the many battles that were fought took place over a seven-year period.
The story of Eleazar and the war elephant, as recorded in the Book of the Maccabees, epitomizes courage and self-sacrifice. Eleazar’s act of valor, though it cost him his life, underscores the Jewish commitment to standing up against overwhelming odds. Similarly, Judah Maccabee’s ultimate sacrifice in the Battle of Elasa teaches that victories may come at a high price, but the cause of righteousness endures beyond any individual.
The sages often compared resilience to the olive, a central symbol of Chanukah. The olive must be crushed to produce oil, symbolizing that adversity can yield light (Menachot 86a). Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai once remarked that Israel is like the olive: Just as the olive’s best is revealed under pressure, so too are the Jewish people’s finest qualities revealed in times of struggle (Bereishit Rabbah 92:1).
In celebrating Chanukah, we are called to emulate the courage and perseverance of the Maccabees and the unwavering faith of our sages. Lighting the menorah is not merely a ritual; it is an affirmation of hope, a commitment to righteousness, and a declaration that light will ultimately triumph over darkness.
Applying these lessons to today’s conflict in Israel, we realize that we are undergoing a similar ordeal in our times. We are engaged in a battle that is taking months to reach its conclusion. There have been setbacks along the way. Hostages are being held for over a year without clear relief. Soldiers are sadly making the ultimate sacrifices. Still, the story of Chanukah and our daily prayers remind us that “Hashem will deliver the wicked into the hands of the righteous… and for your people, Israel, God will work a great victory and salvation just like this very day.”
May the lessons of Chanukah guide us to navigate today’s challenges with faith, resilience and unity. May Hashem help us defeat our enemies and emerge victorious once again, as it happened “in those days at this time… just like this very day.” Just as the menorah’s light continues to inspire after thousands of years, may we merit to see the ultimate redemption, speedily in our days.
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist and a member of the American Psychology-Law Society. He is the coordinator of Bikur Cholim/Chesed at Congregation Torah Ohr in Boca Raton, Florida. He can be reached at [email protected].
