The Miracle of the Menorah: The House in Los Angeles Burned - And Only It Survived the Inferno

Amidst the destruction and pain that struck the Kotler family after a fire consumed their home in Altadena, northeast of Los Angeles, a miracle was revealed from an unexpected place: among the ruins, an antique menorah that belonged to Leah, Josh's grandmother, a Holocaust survivor from Belarus, emerged.

The fire recently broke out down the street on a regular evening while Josh and his wife Emily were dining with their daughters, four-year-old Liberty and two-year-old Eve. The family quickly evacuated, but the next day they received a video from a neighbor that revealed the complete destruction. "When we returned to the site, there was nothing left," Josh recounted, "everything was scorched, and there were still small embers around."

In the midst of the chaos, Josh decided to try to find something that survived the disaster. He approached a firefighter in the area and asked if he could search through the ruins. She agreed and even joined him. Within seconds, she handed him the menorah, surprising him with the words "Happy Hanukkah."

The menorah, preserved in the Kotler family since the Holocaust, suddenly became a source of strength and encouragement. "When she gave it to me, I started to cry. It was a powerful moment that restored my faith," Josh said with emotion. "I felt as if Grandma Leah herself sent me a message."

Now, in their new home, the menorah has found a place of honor.