A meditation on miracles as we kindle the second flame of Chanukah:
The role of miracle is as critical to us as ever, perhaps more so, reminding us that the force for the transformation of one person or one people still remains within our universe. Miracles do not inspire a faith which is destructive. Miracles inspire true faith in order that we have the strength to persevere in the face of great individual challenge and collective adversity and the courage to beautify our world even when our hearts may be plagued by doubt over our abilities to make a difference.
Chanukah teaches us to see the miracles before us and to never lose faith for us, the Jewish People and all humanity.
For that, we celebrate!
When we take hold of someone’s fingers and feel their warmth we become aware of someone outside of ourselves. By gently grasping someone’s wrist we can detect the heartbeat of a living being! A simple touch between hands opens our minds to the miracle of life. It may seem to be a small miracle but it is a miracle nonetheless.
2,200 years ago a small flask of oil miraculously sustained the Menorah until new oil was obtained. Similarly, a small band of Hasmonean fighters sustained the Jewish community and restored spiritual and political freedom to the Jewish nation.
Small miracles can change our world –one day at a time and one person at a time. As we kindle the 3rdcandle of Chanukah 5776 may we see the place of miracles in our own world and may we act upon them! Let us appreciate the miracles in our own world at this season of time!
Rabbi Steve Silberman
No comments:
Post a Comment