B"H

Friday, Sivan 20, 5786 / June 5, 2026

This week's Parsha in the Diaspora, Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8-12), begins with the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah (Candelabra) in the Mishkan and the Holy Temple. The Torah refers to the lights of the Menorah as, "Ner Tamid" - an "Eternal Light". 

Although we do not have the Bet Hamikdash (Holy Temple) today, the synagogue is called a "miniature Temple".  To remind us of the Menorah in the Holy Temple, the synagogue also has a "Ner Tamid", an eternal light, in front of the ark.

Candles and light are an important symbolic role in the Synagogue as well as in the Jewish home. 

Our sages say, "The candle of G-d is the soul of man."  Thus, at a Yartzeit, a candle is lit to honor the soul of the deceased.  Before Yom Kippur, we light a candle in honor of the souls of our loved ones who have deceased.

At a marriage ceremony, it is the custom that the bride and groom are led to the Chupah (marriage canopy) with candles. The candles represent the two souls which will be united in marriage. 

Shabbat and holidays are also ushered in with candles. The Shabbat candles are lit in order to bring peace and tranquility into the Jewish home on Shabbat.  

When one, G-d forbid, departs this world, we light candles in honor of the soul which has departed. One of the reasons thesoul is compared to light is just as fire continuously strives to go upward, so too, the Neshama-soul continuously strives to go upward and become one with G-d, its maker. The soul is sent down here to fulfill a mission, but when that mission is fulfilled it rises and reunites with its maker. Thus, we light candles in its memory.  

Mitzvot are compared to a candle, while the Torah itself is compared to light.  For the Torah and mitzvot illuminate and enlighten one’s immediate surroundings and the world. 

The Midrash explains that while keeping the light of Torah and mitzvot is up to us, maintaining our light, which is our soul, is completely in the hands of G-d who gives and controls life.  Thus, G-d says, "My candle (Torah and mitzvot) is in your hands while your candle (soul) is in My hands. Take good care of My candle and I will take good care of yours!"

"A small amount of light pushes away much darkness," say our sages.  In the second chapter of Pirkei Avot, we are told, "Be as careful in the performance of a minor mitzvah as in a major one”, for the "light" of even a minor mitzvah is sufficient to dispel much darkness.

SHABBAT  SHALOM

Montreal candle lighting time: 8:21 / Shabbat ends: 9:37