By Dina Mann
Director, Emanu-El Downtown
As the Israelites wandered in the desert after their exodus from Egypt, the night sky, the pillar of smoke, and the traveling cloud that guided them weren’t enough. Inspired by the temples and idols of Egypt, they needed a space where they could worship—where the presence of God could be felt. And God responded with a blueprint for the Tabernacle, complete with fabulous fixtures: a special table, sinks, an ark, a menorah, and more. But this divine plan depended on the people donating to this project and having faith that this was the path forward.
The menorah we use in our homes today commemorates the miracles of Chanukah, hence its eight branches and center shamash (helper). But the menorah of the tabernacle had six lamps and a central lamp for kindling. The Torah’s instructions for crafting it are highly detailed, so much so that, according to our sages, Moses became overwhelmed. To reassure him, God suggested, “Throw the gold in the fire, and it will make itself.” In other words, don’t overthink it!
Step one was to get a giant piece of gold and sculpt the menorah from it. (Think Michelangelo: “Every block of stone has a statue inside it, and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it.”)
Why one piece?
We live in a time of divisiveness and othering. This person votes differently than me—they must have different values than me. This person thinks differently on Israel—they must have different values than me. This person observes Judaism in a different way than me—they must have different values than me. The list can go on. I encourage all of us to draw inspiration from God’s instructions for the menorah. Just as it came from one piece of solid gold so too we are cut from the same cloth—in the image of God.
At Emanu-El Downtown, I have the privilege of engaging with hundreds of children each week. Like adults, every child is different. Yet their joy, innocence, and curiosity form common thread. It is a gift to witness their growth and marvel at who they are and who they are becoming.
What do we share in common?
When we hear a Motown song, do we all shake our hips a little bit? When we see fireworks, do we feel a spark of excitement in our chests? When we walk into the sanctuary of Temple Emanu-El, are we not all awestruck by its grandeur? These shared moments remind us of our connections—to ourselves, the people we love, and even those we may disagree with.
This Chanukah, let us seek out these moments of connection and believe in one another again. May we all come together across our differences and rediscover the golden source that connect us all.
