All men must serve.
Throughout history, man has made idols for himself, even OF himself, and ascribed powers to them beyond mortal reckoning. Our forefathers and prophets were iconoclasts in the truest sense of the word, breaking this cycle: Avraham Avinu (Our Father Abraham), recognized his Creator and smashed the idols of his father. Moshe Rabbeinu (Our Teacher Moses), spoke with the Divine Presence face to face, and brought the Torah to the Children of Israel. Mattisyahu HaKohen (Mattathias the Priest) started a revolt that liberated the Holy Land from a brutal and oppressive foreign occupation regime that had declared observing the Jewish faith a crime punishable by death. Mattisyahu’s act of defiance, slaying a Hellenist collaborator in broad daylight and tearing down the idol before which the man kneeled, sparked a revolution that would later be led by his son, Yehudah HaMakabi (Judah the Hammer—pictured here pulling the rope), leading to the events commemorated by the festival of Hanukkah.
Each of these great men understood one thing: We all serve something. Whether it’s literal idols, our bank accounts, or our own twisted egos. The only true freedom is to serve something greater than ourselves. As it is written:
“…The Children of Israel are servants unto Me. They are My servants that I brought out of the land of Egypt; I am the L-rd your G-d." -Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:55
This is why, to this day, Jewish men wear kippot (skullcaps). In ancient times, free men went bareheaded; slaves covered their heads. It’s a reminder that there is always someone above us. But in this service is found the only true freedom. Because for those who truly fear and serve their Creator are not beholden to mortal beings, nor to wealth, nor to themselves.
Maccabee Apparel’s latest design celebrates this Truth, that the path to real freedom lies in tearing down those idols, literal or metaphorical, that we’ve created for ourselves. We think the artwork is pretty badass too.
Product specifications:
.: 100% Polyester
.: Reusable
.: Multiple sizes
.: For indoor use