The tiny flames flicker before my eyes enveloping the room in a brilliant light. Small testimonies to giant miracles. I stare at the lights mesmerized by the idea of miracles. I’m well aware that by nature certain things in my life simply will not happen however much I long for those miracles to happen.
The names [of the Chashmonaim] attest to the nature of the miracles that took place for them. The Pri Tzaddik explains the names: Mattisyahu means “gift of Hashem.” Yochanan means “Hashem’s grace.” He cites the Gemara’s teaching: When a person sees the name Chanina Chananya or Yochanan in a dream incredible miracles will take place for him. The Maharsha explains that these names have a connotation of grace kindness and gift-giving. What is the connection between gift-giving and a miracle? When a person recognizes that it is not his own strengths and efforts nor even his good deeds and spiritual merits that bring about what he desires and he knows and feels that Hashem in His kindness gives everything to him as a gift then Hashem acts toward him measure for measure and bestows such a gift upon him. A gift from Hashem when not dependent on one’s actions has no limit and the person becomes deserving of miracles beyond the bounds of nature. (Sifsei Chaim Rav Chaim Friedlander).
“Lady” the dancing flames call out to me. “Are you asking for miracles? You? These children eating doughnuts laughing and playing and arguing about which letter the dreidel landed on? Are they yours?”
I nod in reply. “Oh yes they’re mine all right.”
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