Gerson: An ongoing example of Chanukah
Our festival of Chanukah this month is well known to all. The elements of celebration − menorahs, dreidels, potato pancakes (latkes) − are colorful and enjoyable.
But, much deeper, and less known to the general public is the event of 165 B.C., which gave rise to the holiday. This was the victory of the Jewish freedom fighters called Maccabees over the Greek Syrians in Israel, who had prohibited Jewish religious life in Israel at that time.
For the Maccabees it looked very bleak. They were outnumbered in people and weaponry. But their cause, religious freedom, was right in God's eyes. Because of that, they prevailed. As the leader Judah Maccabee told his army, "In the sight of heaven, there is no difference between saving by many or a few. We fight for our lives and our religious laws ... so God will redeem and save Israel." (I Maccabees)
Knowing this, there is a wider, universal meaning of Chanukah. It was a paradigm for other victories in history. A Truth. In military struggles, things may look bleak, you can be outnumbered, but through God victory comes to those who fight for what is right.
We think of the Revolutionary War and the bitter winter at Valley Forge, when things looked so dire for George Washington's army. According to reports, he was moved by a simple menorah of one of the Jewish soldiers. And, eventually, victory over the larger foe.
With the state of Israel about to observe its 75th anniversary in 2023, one should look at its history. All along, there have been defensive wars against a large collection of nations around it, bent on its destruction. But, with a sacred cause, such as an independent Jewish state, much smaller numbers have prevailed.
And finally, there is something going on right now before our eyes. And that is Ukraine's valiant struggle against Russia, the much more numerous power. The Russian invasion began in February and many thought it would be quickly over. But, inspired by their leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainians with their higher cause of their sovereignty are holding out, even regaining the important city of Kherson. They are an inspiration for us all, following the Chanukah example.
Yes, the model of Chanukah lives on in history. So often, in the midst of bleakness, right in the eyes of God wins out. In the words of the prophet Zechariah, read at Chanukah time, "It is not by might, nor by power, but by God's spirit" that the ultimate victory comes.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Gerson: Righteous causes can be won with God's blessing
