When the Greeks entered the Temple they contaminated all the oils that were in the Temple. One would expect them to plunder the Temple’s gold and silver, the precious stones, as is the custom of warriors — yet the Talmud makes no mention of this type of pillaging. What possessed them to single-mindedly go about desecrating the oil, and with such thoroughness that it was only through a miracle that one jug was left untouched?
Oil played an important role in the Temple. It was used in special offerings and to fuel the Menorah. High Priests and kings were anointed with it. What is special about oil?
The Kabbalists point to oil’s refusal to mix with other liquids. Oil always rises to the top. It is a liquid that embodies transcendence, holiness. In Kabbalistic terms, oil is the embodiment of that aspect of the soul that relates to G-d in a manner that transcends intellect. Oil is the intuitive love and commitment of the soul to G-d that is not bound by the strictures of rationality and reasoning.
It was the “oil” aspect of the Jew, his supra-rational commitment to G-d, that the Greek could not abide. By all means, learn Torah! Do a mitzvah! But do it as a rational human being, following a rational code of conduct. Why see it as a supra-rational deed, a G-dly deed, an act that is bigger than you?
And so they went after the oil. Every enemy goes after the life-source of their opponent — the wells, the food stocks. The Greeks went after the oil. For therein resides the secret of the Jew.
– Victory of Light, page 15-16
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