Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

In the Talmud, the Sages ask, "What is Chanukah?" on which the medieval commentator Rashi states, "For which miracle was Chanukah established?" The Talmud goes on to describe the famous miracle of the oil which should have lasted one day but which lasted eight days.

Apparently, many miracles are associated with Chanukah, but the story of the oil is the miracle that defines Chanukah as being a Festival.

Each day during Chanukah, we add a paragraph to the Amidah beginning with the words, "Al Ha'Nisim - For the miracles." Interestingly, that passage does not mention the story of the oil at all. Rather, it focuses on the many Greeks falling into the hands of the small number of Jews. The Chanukah passage is appended to the daily recitation of gratitude in which we thank God for the miracles which are with us every day.

During the eight days of Chanukah and every day of the year, we focus not on the special miracles which defy human rationale, but on the daily miracles of life. These might include life, health, well-being, love, etc. What are your daily miracles for which you are grateful?

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison