[Avodah] Unusual Halacha

[cantorwolberg]

There is an unusual law in the observance of Chanukah which is unique among mitzvos. 
The Shulchan Aruch rules that one who doesn't have the opportunity to kindle Chanukah lights 
or to have someone lighting on his behalf in his home becomes obligated, upon merely seeing Chanukah lights anywhere, 
to recite the blessing "She'asah Nissim," "Who performed miracles" (Or ch.676.-3, in accordance with Rashi's interpretation of the text in Shabbos 23a).

Surely this is exceptional. If, due to circumstances beyond one's control, one doesn't eat matzoh on Pesach, 
or take hold of a lulav on Sukkos, or a hear a shofar on Rosh Hashanah, one is absolved of these obligations. 
If the mitzvah of Chanukah lights were solely to kindle them, then the inability to do so would similarly terminate the issue. 
However, such is not the case. It seems that beyond the actual kindling of lights, quintessentially, 

Chanukah imposes an obligation upon Jews to see things in a special light, to apprehend reality in a unique manner.
This is so timely for what we are experiencing. If we see this pandemic as a death sentence, then we are falling into a 
trap of utter hopelessness. However, it takes the Jew to see it in a special light as a challenge to life and to apprehend
reality in a positive “LIGHT."