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From the Bimah
December 2007

There is a popular saying in Israel which states: "If you donÕt believe in miracles, youÕre not a realist." When you think about it, believing in miracles should be second nature to us Jews. That Judaism has existed and thrived for as long as it has indicates to me at least, miracles do in fact exist.

Though life by itself is a supreme miracle, we need to view ourselves as GodÕs partners in bringing about miracles. To underscore the point, a joke is told of a person who constantly prays to God in order to win the lottery. After months of wishing and praying, God finally responds, "Look, I understand you want to win the lottery, but you have to first buy a lottery ticket!"

At its core, the fun-filled holiday of Hanukkah is a manifestation of that divine [miraculous] partnership between us and God. After the MaccabeesÕ historic military victory over the Greek Syrians, the defiled Temple in Jerusalem was restored to its original sacred splendor. The rededication of the Temple, along with the miracle that has come to define Hanukkah (viz., the rabbinic story of a container of oil lasting eight days) would have been impossible had it not been for the relentless determination of a handful of committed Jews. On the other hand, if the Hellenist Jews prevailed; there would have been no military resistance waged against the Greek Syrians, no Temple rededicationÑno miracle.

So, as we light our Hanukkah candelabraÕs this month, let its light illuminate the countless miracles found daily within our lives. Let its warmth and beauty confirm the saying that only "realists," believe in miracles. Let its penetrating glow enlighten GodÕs world, as the holidayÕs timeless messageÑone of miracles partnered between us and GodÑinspire the depths of our souls. I wish you a festive, meaningful and happy Hanukkah.

Rabbi Michael Gotlieb