The Few Against the Many « Israel Forever « Ohr Somayach

Israel Forever

For the week ending 12 December 2009 / 24 Kislev 5770

The Few Against the Many

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

In the “Al Hanissim” prayer that we add to our service and grace after meals, we thank G-d for "delivering the many into the hands of the few."

This is a reference to the miraculous victory achieved by a vastly outnumbered Jewish army over their Hellenist oppressors.

When we repeat this prayer over and over during the eight days of Chanukah we internalize the message that it was not heroism and military genius alone which achieved this victory against all odds, but rather Heavenly intervention.

In a time when Israel is consistently outvoted in UN bodies and faces diplomatic and military threats from so many countries, it is important to maintain our faith that if we remain loyal to our G-d He will once again deliver the many into the hands of the few and secure Israel forever.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at [email protected] and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Israel Forever

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.