The Maccabees had neither might nor strength, neither weapons nor numbers. But they had a double portion of the Jewish spirit that longs for freedom and is prepared to fight for it. Never believe that a handful of dedicated people can’t change the world. Inspired by faith, they can.
There’s a fascinating argument in the Talmud. Can you take one Chanukah light to light another? Usually, of course, we take an extra light, the shamash, and use it to light all the candles. But suppose we don’t have one. Can we light the first candle and then use it to light the others?
The light that should have lasted one day lasted eight. That means there was something miraculous about days two to eight. What was the miracle of the first day?
The light that should have lasted one day lasted eight. That means there was something miraculous about days two to eight. What was the miracle of the first day?
Ancient Greece and its culture of tragedy died. Judaism and its culture of hope survived. The Chanukah lights are the symbol of that survival.
If, on Friday afternoon, you find yourself with only one candle, what do you light it as: a Shabbat candle or a Chanukah one?
The Maccabees had neither might nor strength, neither weapons nor numbers. But they had a double portion of the Jewish spirit that longs for freedom and is prepared to fight for it. Never believe that a handful of dedicated people can’t change the world. Inspired by faith, they can.
