Rambam's discussion of mitzvas ner Chanukah provides perspective on how our brethren in Eretz Yisroel fared during the recent Operation of Defense. Rambam (Chanukah 4:12) writes, "a person must be scrupulous (to fulfill mitzvas ner Chanukah) to publicize the miracle (l'hodi'ah ha'neis) and to add to the praise of the Almighty and thanksgiving to Him for the miracles (v'hodaya Lo al hanissim) He has performed for us."
Rambam shifts from the singular to the plural. One is obligated to publicize the miracle of the menorah in the Beis Hamikdash and to give thanks to Hashem for the miracles He has performed. Apparently, mitzvas ner Chanukah, when properly fulfilled, sensitizes us to other miracles as well and thus it prompts us to give thanks to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for miracles. For the sensitive soul miracles inspire a range of religious emotions and experiences, including wonder, gratitude and love. For the insensitive, however, miracles merely pass unnoticed. Mitzvas ner Chanukah, by focusing our attention on one instance of Hashem's miraculous intervention, is designed to sensitize us to the multitude of miracles.
The segue to the recent Operation of Defense is clear. Within the span of a week, murderous terrorists directed thousands of lethal missiles towards population centers in Eretz Yisroel. The sheer volume of volleys would seem to have guaranteed heavy casualties even if all the terrorists firing had been blindfolded and shooting indiscriminately. How much more so when all the missiles were shot deliberately with murderous intent. And yet, in defiance of all natural explanations (the Iron Dome helped but was very fallible), b'chessed Hashem the heavy casualties simply did not materialize. I do not, G-d forbid, meant to downplay the tragic, horrific significance of even a single casualty. Nonetheless, the lack of heavy casualties was simply miraculous. Nothing less. And it behooves us to recognize this remarkable miraculous continuum. We are reminded of Hakadosh Baruch Hu's loving providence for His people. That reminder can and should inspire us to renewed commitment to Hakadosh Baruch Hu and His Torah.