The miracles we make for ourselves

Rabbi Fishel Zaklos

As I write these words, our communities are still recovering from the damage and trauma of Hurricane Ian. I’d like to send continued love and support to my dear neighbors and friends who were hurt, and who lost homes or possessions in this devastating event.

Through the pain and heartache, we’re beginning to prepare for Chanukah, a holiday that champions messages of light during the most difficult times.

Chanukah is filled with many insightful messages, but let’s take a look at the iconic dreidel. Yes, that little toy we play with on the early Chanukah nights. “Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made you out of clay …”

There are four letters on a Dreidel. ה ש ג ‏,נ these are first letters of the words Nes Gadol Hayah Sham — a great miracle happened there. Where? In the Holy Land. When? 139 B.C.E in the times of the Maccabees. Two major miracles occurred: 1. A few heroic Maccabees won the war against the mighty army of the Syrian Greeks.

2. Oil that should have burnt out after 24 hours, instead lasted for 8 days, until the Jews could arrange for more.

The little Chanukah dreidel tells us that miracles can, and do, happen. It is a message of hope and optimism that we can all take to heart.

Our sages talk about two types of miracles:

1. Miracles that defy the natural order and are awesome to behold. (Such as the Splitting of the Sea and the two Chanukah miracles).

2. Miracles of nature. Nature is a miracle as well. We are just immune to it because we see so much of it.

When the first type of miracle happens, it becomes clear that there is a hidden hand guiding and protecting you. But the miracles of nature are always all around us.

A new baby. The flower. Beautiful weather. A stunning bird. The ocean. Sunshine. Health.

The list is endless.

All these things seem “natural,” but what is nature if not the hand of the Creator? The believer sees the touch of G-d in every blade of grass and every baby’s smile.

The challenge to each of us is to dare to see miracles at all times. To see the Divine Providence hiding in plain sight in small and large events.

I said that there are two types of miracles. But, in truth, there is a third type: Miracles by humans.

Yup. When we transcend our nature, we are performing a miracle.

The word in Hebrew for a miracle is “Nes.” That same word, “Nes,” also means “to rise up.” Each time we rise above the instinct of simply looking out for ourselves is a miracle!

Who can count the incredible amount of Chesed in our communities! As a rabbi and chaplain, I stand in awe of the small and large acts of countless individuals who showed up to join the miracles of kindness that abounded during this period. Even before the flood, my email was inundated with people offering to help. Once the hurricane hit, countless volunteers went beyond the call of duty and trudged through flood waters and debris, taking strangers into their homes, delivering meals and giving a helping hand. Unbelievable kindness.

Our community is second to none in its generosity and goodness.

And this gives me hope that we will emerge from these trying times stronger than before. Human miracles bring down G-d’s miracles.

Yes, life is challenging. Antisemitism is growing, and many societal ills need urgent addressing, but like the Maccabees of thousands of years ago, I stand in faith and hope for better times. Because I believe in miracles from heaven … and I believe in miracles from humans as well.

Wishing you and yours a happy Chanukah!

Rabbi Zaklos Fishel serves at Chabad Jewish Center of Naples.