It is well known that one of the private features of the Mitzvah of Hadlakas Neros on Chanukah is its public nature, that is that there is a requirement to light the Chanukah candles in a way and in a place where they will be viewed by others. The Meforshim on the Gemara in Shabbos which details the information related to Chanukah note that there is a notion of Pirsumei Nissa, the need to publicize the miracle, inherent in our observance of this holiday. In the language of the Rambam, we are required to demonstrate and reveal this great miracle of Chanukah.

The question, though is why this is so necessary. We do not seem to find a parallel requirement to publicize the miracle associated with Pesach, for example, or Sukkos, even thought these holidays also highlight miracles. Rabbi Ben Tzion Ferer suggests that unlike Pesach and Sukkos, where we celebrate miracles which were done totally and absolutely by HaShem alone, on Chanukah we celebrate not only the miracle of the oil, but also the victories in the war and other acts of selfless heroism and dedication, accomplished by ordinary people. When the celebration centers on His deeds, His actions and His miracles, HaShem does not ask for publicity; Pirsumei Nissa plays no role in our observance. But when the celebration focuses as well upon the accomplishment of people, people to whom we can directly relate and seek to emulate, HaShem wants the observance to be public in nature. And HaShem thus tells us to draw inspiration and guidance from the great conduct of these ordinary mortals, informing us that we too can all achieve what they achieve if we put our minds to it. We publicly commemorate their actions in order to inspire ourselves.

It is often difficult for us to relate to supernatural events, such as the splitting of the Red Sea, the Protective Clouds overhead and even the small amount of oil burning for eight days. But we should be able to relate to people struggling to fight for what they believe in, to overcome a more powerful enemy seeking to oppress them and to work at re-sanctifying the Beis HaMikdash. The extraordinary efforts, and yes, the Mesiras Nefesh, of these people should serve to inspire us in our own struggle, in our own battles, whether internal or external, as we seek to grow religiously and in terms of Yiras Shamayim. We should not lose sight of this aspect of Chanukah as well.