8 Things a Non-Jew Learned about the Middle East Conflict
4 min read
The pilot of an F-16 plane became disoriented while in flight. He couldn’t distinguish up from down or in which direction he was flying. Even in the daytime, at elevated heights, the sea and sky can look the same.
Much of a pilot’s training is in how to rely on cockpit instruments rather than on his own sense of perception. Especially when in doubt, a pilot is instructed, repeatedly, to rely on instruments. They help him navigate turbulence, stay on course, and safely reach his desired destination.
We each are in a similar situation. Our perceptions often can mislead us. As society’s boundaries and values become increasingly blurred, we too can become disoriented and confused. In which direction do we navigate our lives? Just as the pilot is instructed to rely on his instrument panel, so too, a Jew is instructed to rely on his: the Torah. The Torah’s teachings and mitzvot direct us and illuminate our way. In the best and worst of times, the Torah can lift us up to higher heights. This is illustrated through the kindling of the Menorah that is described in Parashas Behaalosecha.
At first glance, the word behaalosecha, meaning “when you elevate,” is an unusual choice of words for God’s commandment to kindle the Menorah. Why wasn’t the more literal Hebrew word, l’hadlik, to light, as in the blessing for lighting the Shabbos candles, used instead? A relevant teaching lies therein. Behaalosecha precisely expresses the essence of this unique mitzvah.
The lighting of the Mishkan’s Menorah engendered spiritual elevation for the Jewish People. More than a lamp to produce light, the Menorah was a spiritual symbol. It personified the purpose of every Jew: to spread Divine light. Each mitzvah is a conduit through which God’s Divine light is revealed. As the interconnection between the spiritual and material realms, a mitzvah integrates and coordinates their elements. It channels a Divine light that spiritually illuminates, permeates, and interacts with the world around us. The mindful performance of a mitzvah enhances one’s awareness of God’s Presence. With consistent observance, a per- son’s spiritual vision and perception become broadened beyond what the eye can see. Without Divine light, one may have twenty-twenty vision yet be spiritually blind. A deeper understanding of the details regarding the kindling of the Menorah sheds light through which we can be illuminated.
Only pure olive oil, without sediment, could be used for the daily Menorah lighting. We can expound on this idea to impart a relevant lesson for all times. We must not allow alien concepts or corrupt influ- ences to invade the purity of our minds and hearts. Aharon’s personal example of cleaning the Menorah daily symbolized that we too need be vigilant in maintaining ourselves both physically and spiritually every day.
Since a Jew’s purpose is to spread Divine light, his or her own inner light needs to be ignited continually. Torah study and mitzvah observance are the fuel through which a Jew’s inner flame is maintained. At times, that inner flame may decrease, but it’s never extinguished.
God’s command to light the Menorah can be read literally as, “When you raise up the lamps,” or “When you make the flames rise.” Sefer Mishlei (Proverbs) states that “the soul of man is the lamp of God.” Each of us possesses a unique soul, a Divine light that’s waiting to be empowered and elevated. Just as the pure oil is used to light the Menorah, a mitzvah is used to ignite the soul. As stated in Mishlei (Proverbs), “The mitzvah is a flame and the Torah, light.”
Rashi elaborates, explaining that the Kohen should apply the flame to the wick “until the flame rises on its own.” Continued practice and repetition yield sought-after results. Fundamental teachings are being related directly to you and me.
