Results for: Miracle

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I have published more than 70 substantial online articles on all aspects of the Christian faith. My home library includes a wide selection of works on Christian theology and philosophy.

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In Christianity

Are miracles real?

Another answer from our community: Though we don't see miracles such as, "The feeding of the five thousand" today, miracles are still occurring, just on a smaller sc… (MORE)

Jwilde222

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In Food & Cooking

What is miracle fruit?

Miracle fruit is the berry of the plant Synsepalum dulcificum which makes sour foods taste sweet. At certain parties, people take miracle fruit and then ingest typically unapp… (MORE)

Jepjep

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In Ingredient Substitutions

What is in miracle whip?

Miracle Whip is made with the basic ingredients in Mayo but spices are added to give it's bolder taste. Ingredients: Water, soybean oil, vinegar, sugar, modified cornstarc… (MORE)

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In Houseplants

What is miracle grow?

Miracle-Gro is a fertilizer for plants. There are several different formulas of fertilizer sold that are designed for different uses.

Dan Galilee

64,062 Contributions

I have studied and taught the relevant passages in the Talmud and the Code of Jewish Law.

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In Hanukkah

What is the miracle of Hanukkah?

Hanukkah is a minor holiday that commemorates the victory of the Jews against the Syrian-Greeks in the Maccabean War of 165 BCE. The real miracle of Hanukkah is that the Jew…s were victorious, against all odds, they beat their enemy and were able to restore the Ancient Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the Greeks. In a larger context, Hanukkah represents victory against religious persecution and assimilation. But a second miracle is more commonly known: A story in the Talmud (500 years later) tells of a legendary miracle. After the war, When the Jews returned to rededicate the Ancient Temple, they found that there was only enough oil to keep the eternal lamp burning for 1 day. It would take 8 days to make more of this special oil. So the lit the lamp, and it miraculously burned for 8 days, giving them plenty of time to make more oil to keep the lamp burning. This second miracle is very popular with children. It is understood as a legend only, and appears to be the early Rabbis' attempt to add a spiritual level to the holiday. Answer:The above answer is non-traditional. Our tradition is that the miracle of the oil did indeed occur and isn't just a legend. If it wasn't for the clear tradition of our Sages, Hanukkah would have been forgotten long ago. Moreover, on Hanukkah the chief celebration is not for the military victory; it's for the miracle of the oil (Talmud, Shabbat 21b). As an augmentation to the celebration of that miracle, we also thank God during Hanukkah for the Hasmoneans' military victory (during which they ousted the Seleucids and their lackeys, the Hellenizing Jews, making possible the rededication of the Temple). The Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks) under Antiochus Epiphanes (2nd century BCE), at the instigation of the Hellenizers, had forbidden various Torah-practices in Judea, such as Sabbath-observance, and pressed the Jews to offer up idolatrous sacrifices. The Hasmoneans (a family of religious Jews) fought to retake the Holy Temple, which had been seized by the Seleucids, and to enable the people to once again observe the Torah. When they reached the Temple grounds and prepared to light the Temple's menorah (Exodus ch.25), they found only one day's supply of unsullied olive oil. Miraculously, the menorah stayed lit for eight days (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), allowing enough time for new oil to be prepared and brought. The significance of the miracle is that it demonstrated that God's presence still dwelt in the Holy Temple. This is what Hanukkah represents: the closeness to God; and the avoidance of Hellenization (assimilation). The Torah Sages instituted the festival of Hanukkah at that time (Talmud, Shabbat 21b), to publicize the miracle (Rashi commentary, ibid). The eight-day rededication of the Temple is also mentioned in the book of Maccabees (I, 4:36; and II, 1:18); and Josephus mentions the eight-day festival in Antiquities ch.12. The Al-Hanisim prayer which we recite during Hanukkah centers around the Hasmoneans' victory, while the candle-lighting commemorates the miracle of the oil. Though the military victory is prominently mentioned in the prayers, it wouldn't have been celebrated if not for the miracle of the oil, just as we have no special occasion to mark Abraham's victory (Genesis ch.14), or those of Moses (Numbers ch.21), Joshua, Deborah (Judges ch.4), Gideon (Judges ch.6-7), Jephthah (Judges ch.11), or King David. And though the Hasmonean battles continued for two decades after the retaking of the Temple, the Sages instituted Hanukkah immediately after the miracle of the oil. It should also be noted that the main goal for which the Maccabees fought was not political independence. They fought to enable the people to observe the Torah's commandments; as we say in the Al Hanisim prayer: "the Greeks sought to cause us to forget Your Torah and leave Your statutes." (MORE)

Judith LMC

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In Entertainment & Arts

What is the miracle of the miracle worker?

The miracle of the miracle worker was Annie teaching Helen sign language and she succeeded. Helen went to college and graduated, she became an under-controlled child and very … (MORE)

Dick Harfield

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I have published more than 70 substantial online articles on all aspects of the Christian faith. My home library includes a wide selection of works on Christian theology and philosophy.

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In The Bible

What Bible had no miracles in it?

A: Thomas Jefferson, one of the Founding Fathers, knew as a Deist that miracles do not happen, but admired the Christian ethical teachings. He created the "Jefferson Bible" by… (MORE)

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In Food & Cooking

What is A miracle pudding?

It is a pudding that is made up of a sponge mix then topped with sugar and butter and flavors ( spices, chocolate powder, fruit juices) etc then boiling water added and it is … (MORE)

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In Religion & Spirituality

How can you get a miracle from god?

You pray with all your heart, soul, and mind. If you truly believe in God you can receive one from him if your heart is in the right place

Jason Mathews

50,373 Contributions

Learning something new everyday is the only way to live.

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In The Bible

Do a miracle or make a miracle?

In the Bible miracles are described as things people perform or do with God working through them. People can't 'make' a miracle as you would make a cake or build a house. E… (MORE)