Venue: Young Israel of Oceanside Young Israel of Oceanside

Machshava:

Chanukah 

Collections: R' Jonathan Muskat Drashot

Description

This drasha reflects on a Chanukah shaped by both tentative relief and renewed trauma—from the return of hostages and a pause in fighting in Israel to the terror attack at Bondi Beach. Drawing on Chazal, Rav Soloveitchik, the Sfat Emet, and the Rambam, it reframes Chanukah this year not primarily as a holiday of Hallel (praise), but of Hoda’ah—acknowledgment and gratitude for what struggle itself teaches us. The menorah emerges not only as a symbol of miracle, but of courage, initiative, and spiritual resistance: a refusal to turn off the light even when fear and darkness press in. Chanukah becomes a blueprint for action—shining outward, enduring faithfully, and affirming that light, courage, and hope still prevail.