Q&A: In the Early Years of the State, Weren’t We Living Under a Miracle?
In the Early Years of the State, Weren’t We Living Under a Miracle?
Question
In the first 40 years of the State, we lived under the threat of real armies, and still we won, while the fighting forces were unable to conquer us. Don’t you see a miracle here, or divine intervention?
In addition, is it reasonable to say that Ukraine also exists by a miracle? The fact that they are managing to hold back the Russian army, which is considered one of the strongest in the world—isn’t that the definition of a miracle?
Answer
I don’t see a miracle here. First, every so often the weaker side wins (especially when facing a collection of primitive people with no real capabilities). Second, even objectively it isn’t clear that we were the weaker side. On this matter, Uri Milstein brings interesting data about the balance of forces in the War of Independence.
To identify a miracle, very unequivocal evidence is required. If every time something happens that you didn’t expect you declare it a miracle, you’ll never discover any scientific innovations.
Discussion on Answer
If you say Hallel only for miracles, then definitely yes.
What else do you say Hallel for? For victory in war? Because if that’s the reason, then Hallel should also be said for the Six-Day War and Yom Kippur War, and maybe a few others too.
And in general, if the Hallel is not for something specifically defined as something that requires saying Hallel (halakhically), then where does the authority come from to institute a new recital of Hallel?!
Indeed, Hallel is said for victory, not necessarily for a miracle. These are events that, psychologically speaking, give us an opportunity to thank the Holy One, blessed be He—even for the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. I’ve explained this several times in the past (in light of my view that there is no divine involvement, and certainly that such involvement cannot be identified).
So should we stop saying Hallel on Independence Day and repent for all the blessings said in vain until now?