Monday, Sivan 11, 5784 / June 17, 2024
This week's Parsha, Beha'alotchabegins with G-d's instructions to Aaron concerning the lighting of the Menorah, which was performed each day in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and in the Holy Temple.
However, instead of using the word "Lehadlik" which means to "kindle," the Torah uses the word "Beha'alotcha" which literally means to, "go up."
Our sages discuss the reason for this, and many solutions have been suggested. Some say that Aaron had to go upseveral steps in order to light the Menorah.
Although the Menorah was not high, and he would have been able to clean and kindle the Menorah standing on the ground, Aaron was wearing a plate on his forehead with G-d's name engraved on it. Therefore, he was not permitted to lift his hands higher than the golden plate out of respect for G-d’s name. Thus, he had to go up steps to clean and kindle the Menorah.
Another explanation is that the lights of the Menorah represent the Jewish soul – the Neshama, which is compared to a candle. The flame of the candle is continually drawn upward. So too, the Neshama – the Jewish soul - is drawn "upward" to be connected with G-d, its creator. Aaron's mission, as High Priest, was to "lift-up" the Jewish souls so that they will strive to connect to G-d, just as the flame of the candle 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 and draws them near to the Torah."
The Zohar asks why, whenever we Jews study Torah or pray, we sway back and forth?
The Zohar replies, "The Jewish soul is derived from G-d's Holy fire. When it studies Torah or is involved in prayer, the soul is connected to its source and like the fire of a candle that constantly flickers back and forth, the soul, which is G-d's candle, is also on the move.
The Midrash tells us that G-d’s commandment to kindle the Menorah in the Holy Temple surprised the Jewish people. They said, "Is there any darkness before G-d that He needs ourlight in the Holy Temple?"
G-d replied, "It is not for My benefit that I command you to kindle the light in the Temple. It is for yourbenefit."
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 made the rounds and lit these lamps to illuminate the streets.
"The function of a Jew is to be a lamp-lighter," said Rabbi Shalom Dov Ber of Lubavitch.
"It is not enough for one to feel themselves spiritually enlightened, warm and elevated. The name of this week’s Parasha, Beha’alotcha, teaches us that one must use their own spiritual fire and enthusiasm, to make an effort to kindle the candle/soul of another Jew by bringing them also closer to G-d and His Torah and Mitzvot."
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW.