I love to think and write about miracles – and there’s no better time to reflect on the miracles in our lives than at Hanukkah.
In her 2017 Hanukkah message, on LIHerald.com, Rabbi Susan Elkodsi states, “The fact that Judaism and the Jewish people are still here more than 2,000 years later is testament to not only the many small miracles that led up to the Maccabees’ victory and the rededication of the Holy Temple, but to the miracles that continued to happen and are still happening ….
“There are miracles all around us; in nature, in the way we go about our daily lives, beginning with waking up in the morning, and the amazing ways that our bodies and minds operate.”
She continues, “During Hanukkah we have the chance to celebrate what we have. When we light the candles in increasing numbers each night of the holiday, we join millions of other Jews throughout the world, and even more throughout history, who share a past, a present and a future.”
As I reflected on miracles in my life and the gratitude I feel, I created a list of miracles in our daily lives:
• Receiving a needed payment when it was not expected.
• Getting that phone call with just the right words of encouragement to get you through the situation.
• Easily finding exactly what you need just when you need it.
• Getting benign test results for a medical concern.
• Narrowly missing a harrowing or life-or-death situation.
• An unexpected positive reunion with an estranged loved one.
• Helping someone in need.
• Finding that precious item that you thought was lost forever.
• Having an awareness and awakening that changes your life for the better.
• Having that conversation that helps you turn the corner.
• Achieving your goals after many “almosts.”
• Meeting the right person when you weren’t looking
• Being in the other room when the light fixture fell to the floor and shattered.
Gratitude contributes to the occurrence of miracles. Remember these gifts/blessings in your life with gratitude: Your children. Your spouse/partner. Strong relationships. Your health. Your financial stability. Your sense of humor. Clarity and focus in everyday decisions.
Miracles are all around us every day. That we are here to light the Hanukkah candles with our loved ones, and that we can experience miracles all year long, is a miracle.
PATRICIA RASKIN, owner of Raskin Resources Productions, is a media host, coach and award-winning radio producer and business owner. She has served on the board of directors of Temple Emanu-El, in Providence.