The deeper works explain that Kislev is the time to develop deep bitachon, active trust in G-d. The word kesel, meaning security, is the root of the name of the month. During this month, the Jewish people beat impossible odds: our ragtag army of untrained soldiers against the most powerful army in the ancient world, armed with the best weaponry and strategy. What could a soldier of antiquity do against trained elephants? Yet, in some inexplicable way, the impossible happened and we were able to drive out the Assyrian-Greek invaders.
We need to remember this epic victory and recall that its spiritual force is revived every year during these days. I need to take hope. Sometimes I feel like it’s impossible for me to overcome the obstacles that arise on my journey towards spiritual progress. Nevertheless, I must learn to trust that every effort or even desire to advance is invaluable.
Heavenly Protector: fill me with faith and trust in Your kindness and patience. Let me perceive that we all must beat apparently impossible odds. Like the Maccabees, we are sure to prevail if we persevere. It will take time but it’s worth it. Every exertion or even attempt to improve endures forever.