B"H

Wednesday, Sivan 16, 5779 / June 19, 2019

This week's Parsha (in the Diaspora), Beha'alotcha begins with G-d's instructions to Aaron concerning the lighting of the Menorah (candelabra) in the Temple. But, instead of using the Hebrew word, “Lehadlik” – “kindle,” the Torah uses the word "Beha'alotcha" which means to "elevate."

Q.  Why does the Torah use the term “Beha’alotcha” (to elevate) instead of Lehadlik (to kindle)?

A.  The sages discuss the reason for this and many solutions have been suggested.  Some say that Aaron, the High Priest, had to climb several steps (to be elevated) in order to light the Menorah.

Another explanation is that it refers to the lights of the menorah – to elevate the lights. The lights of the Menorah represent the Jewish soul (Neshama) which is compared to a candle. Just as the flame of a candle flickers upward, so too, the Neshama is drawn upward, to be connected with G-d. 

Aaron's mission was to "elevate" the Jewish souls, represented by the lights of the menorah, so that they will strive to connect to G-d, like the flame of the candle which continuously strives to go upward.

"Be of the disciples of Aaron," says Hillel the Elder in Pirkei Avot.  "Love peace,  and pursue peace, be one who loves his fellow men and draws them near to the Torah."

The Zohar asks, “Why do Jews move to and fro when praying and studying Torah?” The Zohar replies, "The Jewish soul is derived from G-d's Holy fire.  When we study Torah or pray our soul is connected to its source and like the fire of a candle that constantly flickers back and forth, so too, the soul, G-d's candle, also moves.

The Midrash tells us that the idea of lighting the menorah in the Temple surprised the Jewish people.  They said, "Is there any darkness before G-d that He needs our light?"

G-d replied, "It is not for My benefit. It is for your merit." The Menorah in the Holy Temple brought forth spiritual and holy light to the Jewish nation and to the entire world.

Before the days of electricity, Russia's main streets were lit by kerosene lamps. Each night, a city employee would  make the rounds and light these lamps to illuminate the street. 

"The function of a Jew is to be a lamp-lighter," said Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber of Lubavitch. "It is not enough to feel spiritually enlightened and warmed by the light of ones soul, one must also use their spiritual fire and make an effort to light up the candle/soul of another Jew by bringing them closer to Torah and Mitzvot."

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY