According to the dictionary, the definition of a miracle is: a supernatural occurrence, a wonder. It also says: an event whose chances of occurring are very small. The word for miracle in Hebrew is “NES.” In Hebrew that word is also a synonym for “flag.” And we will dwell on that later as well.

The most important question to ask, for me on this subject is: “What makes a miracle possible?”

Is it chance? Is it a higher power? Is it necessity? And maybe all the answers are correct.

Why is it so important for me to know? Because if I can understand how a miracle occurs, then maybe I can learn to help miracles happen. It is written that faith is a very important thing, and indeed I find a close connection between faith and the occurrence of miracles. This is what happened to the people of Israel as celebrated during Hanukkah. This festival recalls the Hasmonean period, when the “Maccabis” – few in number but imbued with faith – prevailed over the many and powerful, the Greeks. When they arrived at the temple and wanted to light the menorah and illuminate the house of God, they found a small jar of oil that was enough for one day; but surprisingly, this oil lit the menorah for eight days. These are reasons for today’s Hanukkah holiday, also called the Holiday of Miracles. There was great faith there, but faith alone is not enough, as it is written in the Epistle of James 2:17.

“So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead, being alone.”

Along with faith, there must also be practical deeds. And indeed, the faith that prevailed as commemorated in Hannukah; became action when they went out to fight against a vast and powerful people, against the Greeks who ruled the Land of Israel at that time. And here is one way in which we can produce miracles, true faith combined with actions.

We can see this happening in our own day, even in the current war. The people of Israel have been attacked from all sides. The people of Israel are the few against the many. And seemingly, how can we survive when so many peoples rise up to destroy us? And indeed, we are witnesses that the war is not over yet. We are witnesses that the residents of the north and the south have not yet returned to their homes, and we are witnesses to the great destruction in the communities and in the souls of the people. And despite the presence of the IDF, there is still no feeling that we have reached a solution that will return security, and the people to their homes.

And suddenly, as if out of nowhere, what I call a miracle happened. The regime in Syria fell. And that shuffled all the cards anew. It ignited hope in hearts that perhaps we are now standing before the end of the war. This miracle could help bring peace to the entire region, to Israel, to Lebanon, to Syria, and perhaps even to Iran. It happened with quite a bit of faith and with a lot of action alongside it.

I mentioned that the word miracle in Hebrew (NES) is also a synonym for “flag” or “banner” (for example, in Isaiah 11:10). And I see the strong connection between miracle and flag. We can say that if there is a flag, there is a nation. A flag is a national symbol of a people who live in their land and raise their flag proudly.

And for the people of Israel to dwell in the Land of Israel, was always a miracle. So as we see, there is a need for faith and a need for action. But in my opinion, in order for the greatest miracle of all, that the New Testament speaks of, to happen; one must strive for a heart full of love. Just think and imagine love filling the hearts of people. When this happens, it will bring with it the greatest miracles of all – the miracle of peace, the miracle of unity, the miracle of tranquility. Then we will be able to say, “Wars have ceased” and welcome the blessed days of the Messiah.

“You shall love your neighbor as yourself” is the great miracle that I long for. And it is the reason why it is important for me to understand whether humans have a part in creating miracles. Because this miracle requires a lot of faith and a lot of action. And when it happens (and it will happen), we will feel God with great and chilling intensity.

“And now these three abide: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.”

Happy holidays to you and yours! Filled with the light of faith, hope, and much love!