The War Rages On

I had just lit the menorah on the first night of Chanukah when the telephone rang. A long-time friend a well-known figure in the educational world was on the line. No sooner had I said hello than he launched into a passionate monologue. He was so intent on getting his message across that I could hardly get a word in.

“You’ve lit your menorah already haven’t you?” he said. We go way back so he has no problem being blunt. “And of course you thought deeply about the meaning of the brachos as you recited them. I’m sure you sang Al HaNissim and Maoz Tzur. Maybe you’ve even had some latkes and doughnuts already and sat down for a game of dreidel with the grandchildren. So you’ve fulfilled the mitzvah of Chanukah perfectly. Listen I have no complaints against you. I just want to tell not to miss the boat.

“ Forgive me for being rude but we’re old friends so tell me what did you have in mind when you said ‘…Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time’? No no don’t answer. Just let me talk. I know what you had in mind. It was the same thing that all good Jews around the world have in mind when they light the menorah: that HaKadosh Baruch Hu performed miracles for us in those days the days of the Chashmonaim. At this time — that is the twenty-fifth of Kislev. And today we thank Him for the miracles He did for us then which made it possible for us to live as Jews today. Baruch Hashem; everything’s all right everything’s wonderful.

“Was I right? Wasn’t that your interpretation of the brachos you said as you stood before your Chanukah lights? Now don’t tell me it wasn’t. But I’ve come to the conclusion that something much deeper is contained in those words. I’ve thought for a long time about whether to talk about this or not and I trust you so hear me out.