A lesson in Hanukkah miracles from post-Soviet Jews A lesson in Hanukkah miracles from post-Soviet Jews When the destination is sacred enough, you light the lamp and trust that yearning, hope and hard work will illuminate the path ahead. (December 16, 2020 / JNS) We Jews are no strangers to miracles, but in the great tales of Divine deliverance, the Hanukkah story feels like the runt of the litter. Compared to the parting of the Red Sea or the burning bush, it’s difficult to know what to make of a jug of oil that lasted longer than expected. Where’s the wonder? Where’s the wow? It all seems a bit pedestrian—diet miracle, zero calories.