From the Battlefield to the Menorah: Seeing Hashem’s Hand on Chanukah

Exploring the Dual Miracles That Illuminate Our Faith and History

WBY RABBI DOVID ROSENBAUM

hich miracle of Chanukah is the primary cause for celebration?

The Al Hanisim which we recite in shmone esrai and birchas hamazon recounts the military victory. The gemora ( Mesechas Shabbos, 21b) relates the miracle of the menorah burning for eight days. Why does each source highlight a different aspect of the story?

Rav Chaim Friedlander, zt”l, cites the explanation of Rashi on the gemora’s question of “What is Chanukah?” Rashi explains that the gemora is analyzing which miracle was the impetus for the holiday. Rav Friedlander suggests that the gemora is striving to understand the Rabbis’ decision to establish a holiday altogether. There are many times that

Hashem helps His people. The Rabbis did not establish a holiday for each one. What made them do so for Chanukah? The answer of the gemora is that the miracle of the menorah was supernatural. This occured at a time (the second temple) when such things no longer happened, even in the Bais Hamikdash . The Rabbis understood the miracle as being a message from Above; the same way we understand the miraculous burning of the menorah for eight days was Hashem manipulating the laws of nature, we should also appreciate that the war, though not supernatural, was His manipulation as well. The gemora is explaining that the remarkable event of the menorah helped the Rabbis understand that a holiday should be declared to remember the miracle of the war. The greatest miracle we need to remember on Chanukah, as we say in Al Hanisim , is that of the war. It is vital that we see the hand of Hashem in various aspects of our lives, certainly military salvation.

It is so sad to think about the fact that Israel is still at war. We all know of heartbreaking stories and recognize there are countless people whose lives are being impacted daily. As we continue to beseech Hashem for a speedy and positive conclusion, let us not forget, as we celebrate the miracles of Chanukah, how much we have merited to see Hashem’s hand over these many months. Such reflection inspires us to continue to daven for the ultimate redemption speedily in our day.

Rabbi Dovid Rosenbaum became the Rabbi of YISE in 2010 after having served as the Assistant Rabbi under Rav Gedaliah Anemer, zt”l, for the previous five years. In addition to his responsibilities at YISE, Rabbi Rosenbaum has played an extensive role in the broader Greater Washington Orthodox Jewish community, serving, among other positions, as President of the Vaad Harabanim of Greater Washington from 2013 to 2015. Rabbi Rosenbaum is currently the Gittin Administrator for the Vaad, coordinating halachic divorce for couples in the community. He also acts as a halachic resource for a number of organizations in the community.