When a Yid finds himself in the darkness, and he sees Chanukah approaching, he should understand that there’s an opportunity coming his way to appreciate Chanukah in the darkness.
If the Ribbono shel Olam has ordained that a person should be stuck in the hospital over Yom Tov—as undesirable as that is—he should understand that this is actually more preferable than spending Yom Tov at home!
If it has so been ordained, he should understand that he has the ability and the opportunity to beam in the light even into this place and situation of darkness!—because he now has the opportunity to translate the message into his own life. The same Ribbono shel Olam Who created the Makkos in Mitzrayim has now arranged that I should endure this situation. The same One Who delivered Makkas Bechoros has now given me a slap on the wrist....
Now, take this Yom Tov and translate it so that it will serve as an answer and an illumination for what you’re experiencing. This is the very purpose and reason for Yamim Tovim, according to the Ramban!
The Ribbono shel Olam wanted the Yom Tov to serve as an answer for all the painful corners and the distressing byways of our hearts.
Miracles Are on the Way
A neighbor wronged you...and it’s now raining into your apartment because someone did illegal construction. It’s all a big, painful, and aggravating mess. You know what you need now? You need a Yom Tov in your life! You need a חנוכה נס—with all the light that this entails—in your life!
This person says, “I don’t know the difference between Chanukah and Tishah b’Av anymore.” This is exactly why you need Chanukah right now! As you bend over the menorah... as you light flame by flame... have in mind all your pain and aggravation.... Think about how the light of the Menorah illuminates with the belief and the trust and the emunah that it’s all from Hashem. Now is the time to remember everything you have ever learned about emunah and to apply it to your life.
How much chiyus can a Yid draw from a Yom Tov when he firmly resolves: If the Ribbno shel Olam has given me a Chanukah precisely when I’m going through this hardship, I will utilize the light of this Yom Tov of light to illuminate my personal pain and my individual darkness with the blinding and comforting light of my belief in Hashem and His control of the entire world.
