Life is full of conflicts between our inner beliefs and the pressures from the world around us. These pressures test our values and our adherence to our faith.
At this point, the voice of 'pragmatic' logic can be heard, saying that it is impossible to 'walk with your head against the wall' and that one must flex one's beliefs and values in the face of reality.
On the other hand, an inner voice whispers in our souls that this is precisely the moment of testing, when we must prove our determination and our adherence to the system of values in which we believe.
If you will, it is the difference between shifting sands and a sturdy tree with deep roots. The sands yield to the wind and scatter in all directions. They are 'pragmatic,' but nothing remains of them.
In contrast, the sturdy tree clings to the ground with every fiber of its roots, ready to endure storms and upheavals, and it is precisely the stormy winds that cause it to deepen its roots and strengthen its grip. And when the storm passes, it becomes clear that the sands have disappeared, but the tree remains standing.
The determined minority
This is actually the story of the days of Hanukkah. Even in those days, they argued in the name of 'pragmatism' that it was impossible for the people of Israel to be cut off from the modern world.
This view caused some of the people to submit to Hellenistic culture, and some even to adopt it and bring it into Jerusalem. These were called Hellenists.
The uprising against the Greek Empire was also a hopeless act in pragmatic terms. The Hasmoneans were few against many, not only against the Greeks, but even within the Jewish people they were a weak minority.
The ruling, social, and cultural elite within the Jewish people were among the Hellenists. The Hasmoneans had no power, influence, or public sympathy.
But the Hasmoneans had faith and determination. It was clear to them that surrendering to the winds of time meant the annihilation of the Jewish people. They did not consider pragmatic considerations, but clung to their faith and demonstrated a stubborn and determined stance, without giving in to the thorn of the Jewish people.
They proved that when Jews stand by their faith with determination and dedication, a miracle occurs, and God stands at the right hand of the few and the weak and grants them victory over the many and the heroes.
Challenges today
Even today, the descendants of the Hasmoneans are forced to face pressures. Sometimes these are pressures from the world, which demands that we give up our land and the inheritance of our ancestors and hand it over to foreigners.
Sometimes the pressure comes from within us, from Jews who have lost their breath and want 'peace,' without understanding that it is precisely the concessions and retreats that keep peace away.
Many people deal with similar pressures in their personal lives. Should you stick to your strict kosher standards when your coworkers invite you to join in? Should you stand up in the middle of a meeting to pray the mincha prayer? Should you keep your language clean or be tempted to adopt the style of speech that is common among the guys?
Hanukkah lights the way for us and teaches that the Jewish people exist solely because of determination and not giving in to pressure.
Stubborn persistence will overcome the passing storms.
The tree of Jewish faith will continue to stand in the winds of our times, just as it has stood through the upheavals of thousands of years of Jewish existence.
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