Rabbi's Parsha Shiur

SHABBAT  BEHALOTCHA

When you light the lamps opposite the face of the menorah the seven lamps shall give light (8:2)

                 The menorah in the Mishkan and the Beis HaMikdosh had seven lamps. In this verse, however, “menorah” refers only to the middle lamp. The Sforno explains the verse as follows: “When the other six lamps are lit so that their flames turn towards the middle one, then all seven lamps will burn brightly - -  casting Heavenly light on the Nation of Israel.”

                 He writes, “From those on the right and those on the left will be thrown invigorating and life-giving light in the direction of the middle stem – which is the main stem of the menorah.  And this is what is fitting.”

                That is, the lamps to the right symbolize Jews who devote all of their energies to Torah learning, prayer and other spiritual pursuits.  The lamps to the left symbolize Jews who occupy themselves in business and commerce, in order to support their brethren who are involved exclusively in the spiritual realm.  “It is fitting” when those on the right and those on the left are all “turned towards the middle.” Everyone’s intent  - -  “on each side” - -  is only to do the Will of HaShem, to magnify His Holy Name  - each group in its own way.

          The Torah says that at the foot of Mt. Sinai, “And the whole nation answered together and said, ‘All that HaShem said we shall do.’”  Only through all of us working together will we be able to assure that HaShem’s Will shall be done, and that His purposes shall be accomplished in the world.

                 For this reason, writes the Sforno, “the menorah was one piece of solid gold,” and its lighting was done with the above message in mind. The menorah was one solid piece, to signify the necessary national unity, - - common striving for one sublime goal.  Also, because of the great value of unity,  and the great value of the holy purposes at stake, the menorah had to be of gold - - the most precious metal on earth!

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Jonathan Horowitz