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From today's Hakhel email Bulletin<br><br>
Special Note Four: What is the word “Macabi” an acronym for?
Many of us may be familiar with its acronym of “<i>Mi Chamocha BaAililm
Hashem</i>--who is like You among the strong ones, Hashem?”--for the
victory of the Chashmonaim was based upon their utter reliance on Hashem
for victory against humanly impossible odds. The Chasam Sofer,
however, teaches that Macabi is also an acronym for “<i>Matisyahu Kohen
ben Yochanan</i>,” referring specifically to Matisyahu, as the leader of
the Chashmonaim. What is the lesson for us in this term according
to the Chasam Sofer? We may suggest that it demonstrates the
importance of mesiras nefesh by one individual. Matisyahu,
according to many, was not the Kohen Gadol (but the son of the Kohen
Gadol, Yochanan), and did not have a leadership position. He simply
determined that action had to be taken, for the Jewish people faced
defilement not only for that generation but for all future generations,
as well. He started with his five sons, who risked, and in some
instances gave, their lives for salvation, and ended with a Kiddush
Hashem of such proportions that the Sanhedrin decided to commemorate the
nissim that resulted from this one man’s actions forever and ever.
We cannot underestimate the force--and the effect--that each one of us
can have, not only upon ourselves and our families, but also on all of
K’lal Yisroel. Did Matisyahu realize that he and his tiny group of
Talmidei Chachomim would bring down the Greek Army? Did he realize
that his single-handed actions would save Jewry from the reform movement
of those days? Quite possibly, he did not realize these
effects--but he did what Hashem expected of him, for that was right.<br>
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