Standing Alone with Faith: The Courage Behind the Chanukah Story

“In those days, in our time.” Even back then, the secrets of propaganda were well understood: how to shape social atmosphere, engineer public consciousness, and create pressure through cultural influence. In an effort to “bring light” to what they called the “dark Jews,” the Greeks used every tool available. They built circuses and theaters, organized grand sporting events that showcased Jews who had “discovered the light” — the Hellenizers, who, incidentally, enjoyed the benefits of flattering attention. 

At the same time, laws were enacted banning every sign of Jewish identity: prohibitions against wearing tefillin, placing mezuzot, and sweeping reforms in education aimed at the younger generation, even instructing them to “write on the horn of the ox: we have no share in the God of Israel.”

These efforts deeply affected many ordinary Jews, especially those who tended to follow the prevailing mood. A real danger of widespread assimilation began to emerge. Many Jews still carried a deep inner loyalty to tradition, yet lacked the strength to stand against the tide.

One Courageous Voice Changes Everything

The turning point began with the fearless courage of Matityahu the Maccabee and his famous call, “Whoever is for God, come to me!” He was unafraid of public opinion, unbothered by questions of “What will they say?” or “What will people think?” That is the focus of this reflection: the ability to gather the courage to speak truthfully, even when the price is standing alone against the majority.

The very first ruling in the Shulchan Aruch teaches: “I have set God before me always — this is a great principle in the Torah and in the ways of the righteous who walk before God… and a person should not feel ashamed before those who mock him in the service of God.”

“Avraham Was One”: The Power of Standing Alone

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov elaborates on the verse, “Avraham was one.” Abraham served God precisely because he saw himself as standing alone, without being influenced by the world around him. He did not look at those who opposed him — not his father, nor others who tried to hold him back, but lived as though he were the only person in the world. Rabbi Nachman explains that anyone who wishes to truly enter the service of God must adopt this perspective: to live with inner clarity, not swayed by mockery or social pressure, as if one stands alone before the Creator.

A Message for Our Time

This is how the great transformation began — the very transformation we celebrate each year during Chanukah. It started with one courageous Jew who was not afraid to say what needed to be said. That was true in those days, and it remains true in our time.

May these words be in loving memory of my father, Yehuda ben Meir Chaim of blessed memory, who served as a personal example of unwavering courage and the strength to speak openly about matters of holiness.