This blessing can be found on page
242 of Siddur Sim Shalom.
This is another bracha that is recited
on Hanukah along side with the initial bracha over lighting
the candles. The bracha "to kindle the Hanukah candles" is said
first and is followed by this bracha. The bracha "to kindle
the Hanukah lights" engages the mind in the activity of lighting
the candles. The physical act of bringing light into our lives
while this second bracha speaks of the insight that comes from
understanding our place in the continuum of history.
This bracha reminds us of the great
miracle that occurred in the lighting the original Menorah in
the holy sanctuary. The Maccabees in trying to rededicate the
Temple seek to light the Menorah and are unable to secure enough
oil to do so. Yet they discover one small cruse of oil and it
lasts for eight days. This story is told to us in the Talmud
in the tractate of Shabbat (21b). The other miracle that is
recalled in this bracha is the success of the small Maccabees
in overcoming the mighty Greek Syrians.
While both of these miracles are
significant in the course of Jewish history as they mark a time
when a significant human effort finds the assistance of God
produces a miraculous outcome, it is the second half of the
bracha that I find compelling. The phrase "at this season" is
awkward. We are truly grateful for the miracles that happened.
We have gained great momentum in our faith from moments when
the supernatural occurs. We hark back to the parting of the
Red Sea as the basis of our belief that God takes care of us
in the face of adversity. The translation renders "at this season"
reminds that God continues to function in our lives.
Many have heard the phrase "what have
you done for me lately." It is this sentiment that urges the modern
to add the phrase "at this season." We want God to remain a part
of our lives, daily. We wan tot know that God is listening to
petitions and our prayers and ready to respond. As the Maccabees
needed God's help in becoming victorious over an enemy greater
than they, we too need help in the battles of our lives. We say
this bracha and simultaneously thank God for what God has done
in the past while to solicit God's aid in our existence.
