Defying Statistics
When we look at the world now, nothing seems to be following statistics. The fact that the Simchas Torah massacre was able to happen does not make sense, and the cold and indifferent response of the world does not make sense. On the other hand, the miracles that we are seeing in Eretz Yisroel also do not make sense.
The Mashgiach of Lakewood, Rav Mattisyahu Salomon shlit"a (may Hashem send him a refuah sheleimah) pointed out that the yom tov of Chanuka is all about defying statistics. The Chashmonaim were a small group of weak, undernourished Cohanim who had no military training and poor weapons. The other side was a huge powerful army, consisting of highly trained strong soldiers, with the best weapons. Statistically, we had a zero percent chance of defeating the Greeks. Next, let us take the jug of oil they found. There is absolutely no question about it – it was not statistically possible for it to last more than one day. Yet, we won, and the oil burned for eight days. The yom tov of Chanuka teaches us that Hashem is running the world, and He does not follow statistics! Instead of being frightened and anxious, let us put our trust in Him, and realize that He is taking care of us.
How can we bear this in mind once Chanuka is over? Very simple – just look at the human body – it defies all statistics! There is so much going on inside and every detail must work in perfect tandem. That being the case, statistically, we should not exist (− see "Something to think about" on next page). We are only around because Hashem is taking care of us every second of every day. That is the most comforting feeling in the world. Each time we say Asher Yatzar we should bear this in mind, and with that, keep the lessons of Chanuka with us all year long.
This monthly leaflet was started as a zechus for a refuah sheleimah for my daughter (Esther bas Sara Miriam), a young mother undergoing treatment for the machalah; we have not yet been zoche to see the yeshua. May all the chizuk bring a complete recovery to her, to R' Yossi Hecht (Yosef Chaim ben Devorah Leah), founder of ashertotheyatzar.com, and to all our brothers and sisters who have been wounded during these difficult times.
May we be zoche to Nissim and besuros tovos,
Eliezer M. Niehaus
Editor
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