Okay, all you scholars of Jewish history, the Rabbi has a question for you. What does it mean to be a hero? In the famous Hanukkah story, which we all know and love; the story of Judah Maccabbee and his family who fought and defeated the Syrian-Greeks and rededicated the Temple; the tiny little cruise of oil which was only supposed to last for one day but lasted for eight days; the piercing story of Hannah and her sons who died rather than profane the Holy Name of God; in that famous story, who was the hero? Who exhibited the most courage?

Well, you could say that all of them were heroes, and to a degree you would be right. Judah and his brothers showed physical bravery against the raw physical power of the opposing armies. They fought well, they were brave and we remember them with affection and with pride. It is perhaps no accident that when we Jews, be it in the State of Israel or the Diaspora, schedule Olympic-type events, they are almost always called the Maccabi Games or the Maccabiah. We venerate the efforts shown by the Maccabees, and we honor them in this moving way.

Hannah and her sons were also heroes