CTeenConnection

Chanukah is a very special holiday celebrating the miracle that occurred in the second Beit Hamikdash thousands of years ago. Today, we often wish for a huge miracle in our day-to-day lives, but did you know we experience and witness them every day?

For most of us, our lives consist of waking up, eating breakfast and going to school. This is usually followed by some activity, homework, and finally, sleep. Some of us, including myself, take so much for granted every day. It’s so amazing how we can live in countries that allow us to freely embrace our Jewish pride, unlike the Maccabees long ago. It’s hard to imagine not being able to freely show off our Jewish pride, like being able to light our menorahs in on our windowsills. To be able to say what is on our minds and challenge the government is such a beautiful blessing. All of these freedoms that we have today we’ve had to fight for so long.

Miracles, on the other hand, still occur on a daily basis. A candle may not last for eight days, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t encounter miracles every day. Hashem gives us back our neshamas, souls, every morning—us waking up is a blessing! But, no matter what we think, we don’t need miracles. We are our own miracles. That moment when you have lost hope and want to give up, but then you get the motivation to keep on going—that’s us being our own light. Whether it’s a challenge, homework, projects, etc., you cannot give up. If the Maccabees gave up, if people didn’t protest throughout history, we wouldn’t be where we are today. You don’t have to be Wonder Woman, King David, or anyone “miraculous” to be considered a hero. By having hope and staying strong. you can cause and experience the miracles of Chanukah. On behalf of CTeen Connection, we wish you and your family a Happy Chanukah!