Chanuka, which begins this Shabbat, is a heartwarming reminder of two miracles. One is the victory of the few Hasmoneans over the many Greeks who attempted to suppress their religious freedom. The other is the miracle of a one-day supply of uncontaminated olive oil burning for eight nights when the victorious Jews were finally able to light their menorah in the Beit Hamikdash once again.

There is a mystical connection between these two miracles. The light of the menorah symbolizes the spiritual mission of the Jewish people. The Hasmoneans realized that their victory was not achieved through mere military power or strategy but rather because of the Heavenly assistance they received to succeed in their battle to regain their ability to carry out their Divine mission of bringing light to the world through their service of G-d.

As the descendants of those heroes, the people of Israel must also realize that only by rededicating themselves to this spiritual mission will we be able to once again overcome the superior forces ranged against us and secure Israel forever.

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