Podcast
Questions and Answers
Who does the author consider a miracle for their willingness to risk their lives to protect their land and people?
Who does the author consider a miracle for their willingness to risk their lives to protect their land and people?
The young men and women who serve in the Israeli army
Who does the author describe as a miracle for their resilience in studying in a synagogue attacked by terrorists?
Who does the author describe as a miracle for their resilience in studying in a synagogue attacked by terrorists?
The scholars and students of Torah
Who does the author commend for standing up against resurgent anti-Semitism and media distortions?
Who does the author commend for standing up against resurgent anti-Semitism and media distortions?
The Jews
What is the author expressing gratitude for on Hanukkah?
What is the author expressing gratitude for on Hanukkah?
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According to King David, what has man been made a little lower than?
According to King David, what has man been made a little lower than?
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Which two Jewish holidays are specifically mentioned in the text as commemorating miracles?
Which two Jewish holidays are specifically mentioned in the text as commemorating miracles?
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What prayer do Jews recite on Hanukkah and Purim to give thanks for witnessing miracles?
What prayer do Jews recite on Hanukkah and Purim to give thanks for witnessing miracles?
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Which holiday, despite being filled with miraculous events like the ten plagues and the splitting of the Red Sea, does not have a specific blessing focusing on miracles?
Which holiday, despite being filled with miraculous events like the ten plagues and the splitting of the Red Sea, does not have a specific blessing focusing on miracles?
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On which holiday did the children of Israel stand under the mountain of Sinai and marvelously see the words of God as they received the Ten Commandments?
On which holiday did the children of Israel stand under the mountain of Sinai and marvelously see the words of God as they received the Ten Commandments?
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What is the liturgical formulation that acknowledges miracles and is missing from Passover and Shavuot?
What is the liturgical formulation that acknowledges miracles and is missing from Passover and Shavuot?
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Why does the author find it strange that holidays like Passover and Shavuot, filled with miraculous events, do not have a specific emphasis on miracles?
Why does the author find it strange that holidays like Passover and Shavuot, filled with miraculous events, do not have a specific emphasis on miracles?
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What is the reason for recognizing the miracles of Hanukkah and Purim in a different manner than the biblical miracles?
What is the reason for recognizing the miracles of Hanukkah and Purim in a different manner than the biblical miracles?
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What is the significance of human miracles in Judaism?
What is the significance of human miracles in Judaism?
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Why do holidays like Hanukkah and Purim focus on human achievements rather than solely divine interventions?
Why do holidays like Hanukkah and Purim focus on human achievements rather than solely divine interventions?
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In the story of Purim, why is God's name not mentioned even once?
In the story of Purim, why is God's name not mentioned even once?
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What does the Hebrew word 'nes' mean in relation to tests?
What does the Hebrew word 'nes' mean in relation to tests?
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What kind of human qualities are highlighted as essential for creating miracles in the text?
What kind of human qualities are highlighted as essential for creating miracles in the text?
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Who are described as modern-day Maccabees in the text?
Who are described as modern-day Maccabees in the text?
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What is the role of heroes according to the text?
What is the role of heroes according to the text?
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Why are human miracles emphasized in Judaism alongside divine miracles?
Why are human miracles emphasized in Judaism alongside divine miracles?
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What does the text suggest about the nature of divine miracles compared to human miracles?
What does the text suggest about the nature of divine miracles compared to human miracles?
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Study Notes
Key Figures and Their Significance
- The author regards individuals risking their lives to protect their land and people as miracles.
- Resilience of students studying in a synagogue targeted by terrorists is highlighted as a miracle.
- Praise is given to those confronting rising anti-Semitism and media inaccuracies.
Expressions of Gratitude and Holidays
- Gratitude is expressed on Hanukkah for witnessing miracles and human perseverance.
- King David notes that man is made a little lower than the angels, reflecting on human dignity and role.
- Hanukkah and Purim are specifically mentioned as Jewish holidays commemorating miracles.
Prayers and Blessings
- Jews recite the 'Al Hanisim' prayer on Hanukkah and Purim, thanking God for miracles.
- Passover, despite its miraculous events, does not have a specific blessing focused on miracles.
Significant Historical Events
- The holiday of Shavuot marks the moment when the Israelites received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
- A typical liturgical acknowledgment of miracles is absent from Passover and Shavuot.
Reflections on Holidays and Miracles
- The author finds it odd that holidays with miraculous events like Passover and Shavuot lack a specific focus on miracles.
- Hanukkah and Purim are recognized for encompassing human efforts, not just divine interventions.
Importance of Human Miracles
- Human miracles are integral in Judaism, emphasizing the role of individuals alongside divine acts.
- Hanukkah and Purim highlight human accomplishments in times of adversity, illustrating resilience and determination.
The Role of Divine and Human in Miracles
- God's name is not mentioned in the Purim story, underlining the significance of human agency in that narrative.
- The Hebrew term 'nes' refers to a 'miracle' and is also associated with 'nisayon', meaning test or challenge.
Qualities for Creating Miracles
- Qualities such as bravery, resilience, and determination are essential for manifesting miracles in human actions.
- Modern-day Maccabees are characterized as individuals facing current challenges, embodying the spirit of heroism.
Heroes and Their Role
- Heroes are crucial in inspiring hope and action, bridging divine miracles with human agency.
- The text emphasizes that recognizing human miracles alongside divine is vital to understanding the full spectrum of Judaism's narrative on faith and resilience.
Nature of Miracles
- The text suggests a distinct nature for divine and human miracles, each contributing to the tapestry of Jewish identity and faith.
- Human miracles showcase the power of individual action within the broader context of faith and belief, fostering a culture of resilience.
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Description
Test your knowledge about Jewish holidays that commemorate miracles, such as Hanukkah and Purim. Learn about the prayers and blessings associated with these celebrations.