Shalom and Bracha!

  This Shabbat we read the portion of Beha’alotcha. The portion begins with a brief discussion of the lighting and construction of the Menorah. As this is the portion we read immediately after Shavuot, it teaches us that immediately after receiving the Torah we must use our knowledge to illuminated the world.
 

  The Menorah has many teachings in service of Hashem. The portion begins Beha’alotcha Et Hanerot, which is translated when you will kindle the candles. The term Behaalotcha is an interesting choice of words. To kindle is L’hadlik. Behaalotcha literally means when you will cause to rise. In reference to the Menorah, it teaches a law that the Kohen must hold the flame to the wick until the wick burns well on its own. This teaches many lessons. The soul of a person is called “The candles of Hashem.” The Torah is called light. When we study the Torah, we bring light into our lives and kindle the candle of our soul. When we study superficially, it illuminates that moment. When we look deeper into the Torah, and truly ponder into its wisdom, seeking to apply its wisdom to every part of our lives, the “flame” ignites and continues to illuminate our lives after we finish studying.
 

When we teach someone Torah, we share light with them. When we teach someone how to learn Torah on their own, and share with them sufficient warmth and depth that they want to continue on their own, we have kindled a Menorah. When they learn to illuminate others, lights spreads and darkness recedes. The Previous Rebbe once defined a Chassid as a lamplighter.
 

  The Menorah represents the Jewish people. Hashem calls the Jewish people “A candle to the nations.” Interestingly, the seven branches of the Menorah all faced inward, towards the central branch. Seemingly, were the wicks to face outward, the Menorah would produce more light. This teaches us that in our mission to illuminate the world with the light of Torah, we mustn’t seek to become as worldly as possible, but rather look deeper into the depths of Torah and seek how it illuminates each aspect of the world. This strengthens our light and gives us the power to illuminate the world.
 

   Rashi explains the term Beha’alotcha to mean that there was a step leading up to the Menorah. In order to illuminate, we must elevate ourselves. Sometimes, when we take time from our own spiritual pursuits to share with others, we feel this is a spiritual downfall. The term Beha’alotcha teaches us that it is an Aliyah, an elevation.
 

  The Menorah was neither welded nor molded, but rather beaten from one single piece of gold. This teaches us that that Jewish people must feel themselves as limbs of one entity, and that the pain of another is our pain and the joy of another is our joy. Further, the beauty of the Menorah and its stability was based on the branches being distinct and on opposite sides of the center. We must view our differences as part of a beautiful harmony and balance.
 

  Further in the portion, the Torah describes the Pillar of Divine Fire that led the Jews through the desert. When we illuminate ourselves and take that fire and illuminate others, Hashem gives us a special guidance. As we internalize the warmth and light of Torah, Hashem’s guidance and protection increase. 
 

  Towards the end of the portion, the Torah teaches that Moshe was extremely humble compared to all people of the world. Seemingly, how could he be humble? He was the redeemer of the Jewish people, he stood alone on Mount Sinai with Hashem and he regularly spoke to Hashem in the Tent of Meeting. The Torah teaches us the true meaning of humility. Humility is not ignoring one’s qualities. Humility is recognizing that our qualities are a gift from Hashem. Moshe felt that if someone else had his opportunities, they would have accomplished even more. This understanding of Humility gives us a beautiful insight into respecting others. If other people had our gifts and opportunities, perhaps they would have done better. If we were given their lot, we might have been much worse.
 

  Strife was that cause of the destruction of the Temple. May we soon witness its rebuilding and the rekindling of the Menorah through the coming of Moshiach.
 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Biggs

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