B"H
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.
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. Beha’alot’cha is an interesting term. To
kindle is L’hadlik. The translation of Beha’alot’cha is when you
will cause to rise. In reference to the Menorah, this 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 candle 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
fully 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. The higher we are, the more we can share.
Illuminating others is also a self elevation. 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.
When we see faults in others, they are a sign of our own
shortcomings. 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.
Further, the
Torah describes the two trumpets used in the desert. The
trumpets were called Chatzotzrot. The Maggid of Mezrich explains
that the word is a composite of the Hebrew words chatzi tzurot,
half forms. The trumpets remind us that our unity with Hashem is
like two halves of one entity. This parallels the teaching that
man and wife are one soul, divided at birth and united at
marriage.
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
Dedicated in
merit of Myrna Lomita of blessed memory. May Hashem grant her
perfect bliss in Gan Eden and grant strength, comfort and
tremendous blessings to her family.
A Project of
Chabad of Great Neck
400 East Shore Rd. Great Neck NY 11024
516 4874554 fax 516 4874807
