Ask Haviv Anything Episode 67: Miracles in the dark. A response to Bondi.
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Dec 15, 2025 This installment dives into the significance of Hanukkah amid recent tragedy, tracing its origins and themes of resilience. The discussion highlights the miracles born from struggle, intertwining philosophical debates on divine intervention and human agency. Haviv draws attention to the values of gratitude and communal effort, linking them to the Jewish tradition. The episode also revisits the historical context of the Maccabean revolt and unpacks the rich customs surrounding the festival, affirming that light can persist even in the darkest of times.
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Episode notes
Sydney Massacre Framed As Turning Point
- Haviv opens the episode responding to the massacre in Sydney and describes its impact on Jewish communal life and security.
- He warns Australia and asserts Jewish communities must protect themselves and rethink public safety.
Miracle Follows Human Struggle
- Hanukkah is a holiday grounded in history, not myth, commemorating a concrete resistance and rededication of the Temple.
- The miracle comes after human struggle and sacrifice, not before it.
Two Competing Views Of Miracles
- Ramban sees all events as continual divine creation where miracles are constant and nature is not autonomous.
- Rambam argues God set nature in motion with built-in outcomes, preserving object permanence and human responsibility.
