Defining Ourselves: The Inner Clarity That Leads to Victory

The way in which a person experiences reality, greatly depends on their level of connection to their core and infinte source. The deeper the connection, the deeper their understanding of the world around them.

Superficial Vision Misses the Truth

Just as a proper definition of any object must include both its external characteristics and its hidden inner workings, so too must we strive to understand reality beyond the surface.

Consider a wristwatch, for example. A quick glance may provide you with its color, shape, and strap design- but none of that explains what a watch essentially is. Its essence, function, and inner mechanisms are not visible from the outside. Superficial observation doesn’t only fall short, but can distort the truth.

While we can look at everything either externally or internally, it is only the inner lens that reveals reality in its fullness, and allows us to respond appropriately. This also applies to our identity as a people.

The Moral Imperative to Define Ourselves

Just as we can define objects or events by looking inward, we must also define ourselves as individuals and as a nation. Without a clear definition of our national identity, we won’t be able to define who is not one of us. That lack of clarity leads us to confuse enemy with friend, blur boundaries, and erase ourselves in the process.

The victory of the Maccabees in the story of Chanukah came about only because their national, spiritual, and inner identity was crystal clear. Those who didn’t define themselves clearly became assimilated.

When we know who we are and why we are here, and when we see ourselves not as simply as another nation among nations, but as a unique people with a distinct mission, we can more easily recognize who stands with us and who stands against us.

Victory Begins With Self-Knowledge

The path to victory doesn’t begin with weapons or weakening the enemy, but with strengthening ourselves through a clear definition of who we are. This clarity fuels confidence, focus, and unity. The more we understand ourselves, the more we recognize external threats and respond with purpose. This truth applies to both our personal lives and our life as a nation.

When we define ourselves clearly, as the Maccabees did, we naturally begin to define our enemies. Whether the threat is physical or ideological, it finds less room to take root. When we are empty inside, boundaries collapse, and so do we.

The Root of the Problem

Superficial thinking leads to superficial definitions of ourselves and our enemies. Wars that begin without a clear understanding of the enemy or the goal, rarely lead to victory. If we don’t define the enemy, we give them the upper hand, create confusion and weaken our own ability to act.

Meanwhile, the enemy experiences no confusion. They define us clearly as the enemy. This imbalance leads to defeat, often even before the first shot is fired.

Every War Reminds Us Who We Are

Throughout history, every battle and every enemy rising against us has forced us to confront a core question: Who are we as a people? These challenges demand that we sharpen our identity and embrace it fully.

This is not just a military perspective, but a spiritual and moral one. War is not just about land or survival but is a wake-up call. It forces us to ask: Who are we? What defines us? The clearer our answers, the more clearly we understand those around us, including our enemies.

The Maccabean Secret

The Maccabees were a small band of spiritually awake individuals. Before picking up swords, they defined themselves. They called to others: “Whoever is for G-d, come to me.” That call was only for those who knew who they were, what they stood for, and what their role was.

Victory was not a result of numbers or weapons, but of inner clarity. Quality over quantity, and depth over appearance. Superficial vision says only the many defeat the few and that power lies in armies, not essence. The Maccabees proved otherwise.

True Victory Starts Within

Real victory begins when we stop seeing ourselves- and our nation- through shallow lenses. When we define ourselves internally, we gain the power to define everything around us including our purpose, our enemies, our goals. That clarity becomes the root of every future success.

A person or nation that hasn’t identified the enemy, will respond with confusion- one moment with anger, and the next with misplaced compassion. In that fog, the enemy advances. Because while we hesitate, they are absolutely certain.

What about us? Do we know who we are? If not, our enemies will be more than happy to remind us.

Inbal Elhayani, M.A, is a certified therapist in NLP, mindfulness, and guided imagery.