The story of Chanukah centers around the miracle of the oil lasting the Maccabees and the Jewish people 8 nights instead of the one that was in plain sight. It goes on to celebrate the miracle of the Jewish rebellion and victory. There are many miracles, but where does it all begin? Are the miracles independent or interconnected?

When we read, discuss and celebrate the Jewish story of thousands of years, there are so many miracles. At the core of the Chanukah story and the story of the Jewish people, the through line that shows itself time and time again is the audacity for Jewish leaders to do what so many others see as illogical or even impossible. From Abraham to Moses to Esther to Judah Maccabee to Herzl to so many others, the miracle to me is to have the strength, courage and audacity to light the menorah, even when we knew it only had oil for one night. Like Nachshon on the shores of the great Nile, we didn’t just hope, we also moved forward, believing that even against the most impossible odds, the sea will part, the menorah will stay lit and the Jewish people will persevere.

I hope for all of us in this Chanukah season that we find ways to take the leaps of faith needed to let our miracles unfold.