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We are in the middle of celebrating Chanuka, the festival on which we light the menorah every evening. We commemorate the miraculous victory of the small band of Maccabees (only 13 untrained soldiers!) over the huge Greek empire with their state-of-the-art weapons and elephants (the equivalent of modern day tanks). After the battle, the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) wanted to re-kindle the menorah in the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) and Hashem helped him find a hidden small jug of oil with the seal unbroken that had not become impure. We see the Emuna (faith) of the Maccabees to light the menorah even though they only had a small amount of oil. Hashem performed the famous miracle of the menorah staying alight for eight whole days. Hashem does miracles for us when we invite Him into our lives as the Maccabees did.
Like the hidden jug of oil, I too was hidden in order to survive, at the age of ten. Hashem helped me to survive all alone, I educated myself and have taught thousands in Canada, Israel, the US and UK.
In a season of nissim (miracles) you, each and every one, must aspire, set goals, do what it takes, grow. Never stop growing, set goals, accomplish them one by one, climb the ladder of Jacob one step at a time. My life is exemplary of how much you can accomplish with Hashem’s help, pure Emunah and hard work.
I would love to hear from you, especially if you are one of my former students at J.P.P.S Montreal or if you heard me speak for Aish Hatorah in Israel, New York, England when I toured and spoke in 2003, 2005, 2007, or in Seminaries, Yeshivot, Michlalot, schools, the Israeli Air Force and Army etc. Use the comments below or my email morahleahisrael@gmail.com.
As a Chanuka present, I’m giving you a link to the Shlock Rock for Kids Chanuka song (courtesy of Lenny Solomon and Moshe Coopersmith). As you can see, I’m also a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who loves giving out tasty food to my grandchildren and their friends….
Happy Chanuka!
Morah Leah