The Maharal answers that both reasons are true, and both are consistent with each other. The actual event for which we give thanksgiving and sing Hallel is the salvation of the Jewish people. We won a war against all odds. However, it wasn’t clear that the victory was a miracle. To people living in those times, the military success seemed to be natural. It was attributed to Jewish resilience and bravery. It didn’t appear that HASHEM had delivered us from the hands of the Yivanim; rather, it appeared as “their might, and the strength of their arms.” It was only through the miracle of the oil that they came to understand the miracle of the battle. Once people saw the oil last eight days – an overt miracle from HASHEM — they then came to see that their success on the battlefield was from HASHEM as well. The miracle of the oil revealed to them the miracle of the war.
More in this printout
- Al Hanisim The Miracle of the BattleExplore the debate between the miracle of the oil and the victory over the Yivanim in Al Hanisim. Which miracle truly defines Chanukah?
- Israel Didnt Have a Standing ArmyUncover how the Jewish people, without a standing army, defied the might of empires during Chanukah—what does this reveal about resilience and faith?
- The Leaders of the Rebellion Were KohanimWhy did untrained Kohanim lead a miraculous victory? Explore the unexpected role of Torah leaders in a historic rebellion against the odds.
- This Seems to Be Natural to the HumanWhy do miracles often go unnoticed in the heat of battle? Explore how perspective shapes our understanding of victory in Jewish history.
- We See the Same Phenomena in Our TimesExplore the astonishing resilience of the Jewish people and the miracles of Israel's rebirth amidst adversity—what lessons do we draw from this history?