The
Skolye Rebbe points out that the miracle of Chanukah instilled within the Jewish Nation the ability to persevere even when facing terrible troubles. And then, when overcoming the obstacles, to rejoice. I want to add something further. A careful study of the story of Chanukah will show that at the time the Hellenists were driven out of the Bais HaMikdosh and the miracle of Chanukah occured, the Jewish Nation was far from free from the presence of the Syrian Greeks. It took two more decades of warfare until they were finally driven out of Israel. Why then did they celebrate at this point?
I think the answer is that we have to be able to find joy and appreciation in every accomplishment, even when things are still far from perfect. Too often we are so focused on what we haven't accomplished and the challenges that still face us, that we lack the ability to fully appreciate what it is that we have done. We can celebrate Chanukah and rejoice fully, knowing of the victories behind us, even with the awareness that there are still threats surrounding us, and much work left to be done.
