The Rambam writes that the greatness of the Chanukah miracle was that Jewish rulership was restored for over 200 hundred years. Now, many of these rulers were evil people - so what is the great yuntiff??
Many people cite this as a proof that even a sinful governement is a bracha as long as they are Jewish. This was also pointed out in an email that I received today from a beloved friend.
Maybe this is a strong proof and it is cause for rejoicing and celebration. [I heard that in YU they said Hallel on Monday and not today like in Israel?? Is there not an inyan of לא תתגודדו???:-)]
Years back, I wrote this article on the Hasmonean Kindgom.
I will quote one paragraph:
One other point that I think is lost on many people. The fifth of Iyar was the day the Ben Gurion declared that they are establishing a State. But that really was not a miracle or as significant as what happened afterwards - the Arabs attacked and were engaged in a long bloody war of 9 months 3 weeks and two days. Winning that war - given the fact the we had never had an army before and were attacked on all sides by our enemies, was the real miracle and cause for celebration [besides the mourning over all the soldiers we lost]. Only then, on July 20th 1949, was the State really established.
Maybe??
