You know the expression, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure?” Growing up, I often heard this while sifting through forgotten trinkets at weekend yard sales. As a child, I found wonder in turning discarded odds and ends into something new. Now, as a mom, I see this same magic in my children. They’ll pick up a scrap of material—something most adults would toss aside—and turn it into a toy, a craft, a game.
There’s a profound lesson in this simple childhood act: the ability to see beauty where others only see waste. And as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that this idea doesn’t just apply to junk found at garage sales—it echoes deeply in our Jewish traditions and in our history.
The story of the Golden Calf is one of the most striking examples of destruction in Jewish history. After experiencing the miracles of Egypt and receiving the Torah at Sinai, the Israelites fell into idolatry by building a golden idol. Moses, descending from the mountain, smashed the Tablets of the Law in anger at the people’s betrayal. The future seemed uncertain, but this moment of destruction was followed by an opportunity for renewal.
In the aftermath of the Golden Calf, God commanded the building of the Tabernacle, the Mishkan. This sacred space would be a dwelling for God’s presence, where the Israelites could worship God and be granted atonement. The destructive energy that led to idolatry was now channeled into building something holy—a sanctuary that united the people with God. Just like the Golden Calf, where people brought their gold to turn into an idol, the Tabernacle was also built from the generosity of the people, but with a more purposeful intention.
Playing a central role in this transformation were the Levites, who answered Moses’ call, “Mi LaHashem Elai!“—”Whoever is for God, come to me!” In punishing the idolaters, they demonstrated their loyalty to God, but their role didn’t stop there. The Levites were given the duty of assisting in the Tabernacle’s service, transforming into stewards of holiness. They became responsible for maintaining the sacred space and helping the people channel their offerings to God.
This theme of renewal and transformation resonates throughout Jewish history. The Maccabees used the same battle cry, “Whoever is for God, come to me!” during the Hanukkah story, which culminated in the rededication of the Temple. These narratives remind us that even in failure and destruction, there is potential for beauty and reconnection with God.
In my family, we embody this concept through our unique Hanukkah menorah. Crafted by my father-in-law from World War II-era weaponry, this candelabrum transforms symbols of destruction into a beacon of light. Inscribed on the bottom is the famous verse from Isaiah 2:4:
This practice extends beyond our family. Artists have turned shrapnel from rockets fired at Israel into stunning jewelry, while others have created paintings inspired by Iron Dome interceptions. These works of art transform fragments of violence into symbols of resilience and beauty, celebrating the thin line between destruction and protection.
At its core, Hanukhah embodies this idea of building beauty from destruction. It commemorates the Maccabees’ refusal to let their faith be annihilated and celebrates the miraculous light kindled from a single jar of oil found in the Temple’s wreckage. What could have been a time of despair became a festival of light and hope.
As we light the Hanukkah candles each year, we’re reminded of our responsibility to be creators of light in a world often shrouded in darkness. Whether it’s a child’s imaginative play, an artist’s poignant creation, or a family lighting a menorah forged from the remnants of war, the message remains constant: Beauty can rise from destruction, and it is our sacred duty to bring that beauty into the world.
In essence, our Jewish tradition teaches us to see potential where others see only waste or ruin. It challenges us to transform moments of darkness into opportunities for light, to beat our metaphorical swords into plowshares. As we celebrate Hanukkah and throughout the year, let us embrace this powerful legacy of renewal and transformation, finding ways to create beauty and meaning even in the face of adversity.
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