Did the Statue of Liberty Actually Disappear?

Originally published on Rabbi Smason’s beehiiv on October 29, 2026.

In 1983, an estimated 50 million Americans watched on television as magician David Copperfield attempted something seemingly impossible: making the Statue of Liberty disappear — the actual 151-foot-tall monument standing in New York Harbor.

And Copperfield wasn’t performing solely for television cameras. A live audience was there to witness the extraordinary spectacle.

As the cameras rolled, Copperfield raised a giant curtain, blocking the audience’s view of Lady Liberty. Moments later, the curtain came down. The Statue of Liberty was gone! And as if that weren’t enough, Copperfield subsequently brought her back.

How did he do it? Did he possess some extraordinary power? Had the world’s most famous disappearing act actually taken place?

✨3 Ideas

1. **The joy of discovery **

Have you ever discovered something wonderful about someone you’ve known for years?

Perhaps a quiet neighbor turns out to be a gifted musician. You learn that a longtime acquaintance collects antique dolls. Or you hear that a friend volunteers weekly at a food pantry. **There’s a special joy in discovering the hidden treasures in others. **

Such delightful discoveries can change us, too, expanding our souls as we begin to see familiar people in a new light.

2. **We can’t discover what we don’t notice **

We regularly encounter people who have qualities we’ve never discovered. We’re busy with responsibilities, distracted by concerns, or simply focused on our daily routine.

We may be surrounded by exceptional people whose most distinctive qualities we’ve never taken the time to discover.

There’s a world of difference between looking at someone and truly seeing them.

3. **Pulling back the curtain **

We can uncover hidden treasures when we approach people with curiosity.

Perhaps ask a longtime friend a question we’ve always wanted to ask. Take a genuine interest in a coworker’s favorite pastime. Or ask an older relative about our family history. **The more we seek the good in others, the more emerges from behind the curtain. **

The rewards can be surprising. We may gain new insights from friends, find interests and hobbies we can share, or develop a deeper connection to our family origins. Every person is a world of gifts, waiting to be discovered.

📜2 Quotes

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” — Proverbs 20:5

“You can observe a lot by just watching.” — _Yogi Berra _

❓1 Question

Is there someone in your life whose wonderful qualities you might discover if you took the time to know them better?

So how did David Copperfield make the Statue of Liberty disappear? He didn’t!

While the curtain was raised, the audience was slowly rotated on a platform until the famous monument was no longer in their line of sight. When the curtain came down, Lady Liberty seemed to have vanished.

But she’d been there all along.

And that’s likely true of the people around us. Their goodness, talents, and fascinating experiences may be right before our eyes, waiting for us to discover them.

Until next time, Wishing you a week of delightful discoveries,

Rabbi Ze’ev Smason

P.S. Have you ever discovered something surprising and wonderful about someone you’d known for years? I’d love to hear your story!

P.P.S. If you’ve purchased Spiritual Sparks: A Reader and enjoyed it, would you consider leaving a brief review on Amazon? Your honest feedback can help other readers discover the book. I’d be most grateful.