Parshat Behalotecha; Numbers 8:1-12:16 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger
The parsha begins with the kindling of the Menorah, the great golden candelabrum by Aaron. At the end of the previous parsha—each of the tribal leaders came forward to dedicate the same exact offering to God as a dedication offering for the altar. Yet the tribe of Levi brought no offering. Since they are the tribe from which the priesthood comes. The Levites have a special role—they bring no offering but they themselves in this week’s parasha become a symbolic offering. They are purified and brought before the Children of Israel and a ritual of laying on of hands is performed. Thus they become a symbolic offering and can then participate in assisting the Children of Israel as they bring their sacrifices to God.
But the portion begins with the kindling of the menorah by Aaron, the High Priest. One Midrash even relates that Aaron was upset that each chieftain of the twelve tribes had a role in the dedication of the altar and yet—he and his tribe, the Levites had none. Thus God comforted him by allowing him the honor of preparing for and lighting the great Menorah.
RABMAN, also known as Nachmanides comments on this verse that this is not really about the kindling of the Menorah at the dedication of the altar but really a foreshadowing of Chanukah and the role the descendants of Aaron, the Maccabees will play in the rededication of the temple following its defilement by the Syrian-Greek forces of Antiochus. Nachmanides continues to quote Midrash Rabbah (15:5 Bamidbar Rabbah) “The Holy One, Blessed Be, said to Moses,” Go and tell Aaron- “Fear not! You are designated for something of greater importance than this. The offerings are brought only as long as the Sanctuary is in existence, but the lamps will give light in front of the menorah forever and all the blessings that I have given you with which to bless My children will never come to an end.” Nachmanides continues that even though the Sanctuary was not eternal and thus the sacrifices not eternal because of the destruction of the Temple by the Romans in the year 70 C.E., the menorah and the holiday of Chanukah is eternal even after the destruction of the Temple.
Thus the lighting of the Menorah for Aaron and the Levites was a special privilege.
For centuries it was the Menorah that was the symbol of the Jewish people. In ancient days it was the menorah that signified the Israelites. Although today the six-pointed Star of David is most often associated as a symbol of Judaism, truly the Menorah is a more ancient symbol of Judaism. And it is the Menorah which today stands as the Symbol of the State of Israel, gracing its formal seal.
The light of the Menorah, is symbolic of God’s divine light. With the menorah’s kindling, Aaron brings the Divine light into the Jewish people’s midst. This light whether from the ancient Menorah of the Temple or the light of the chanukiah, or the light emanating from a modern seven branched Menorah still shines upon the household of Jewish people, reminding us of our values, our traditions and our deep and abiding connection to God through Torah and covenant. The Menorah’s distinct design of seven branches reinforces the notion of the centrality of Shabbat—the seventh day and even the Chanukiah with it’s nine branches, to remind us of the eight day celebration of the Holiday of Chanukah reminds us that God’s presence is with us in darkness as in light.
Even when there are difficult hours of trial for the Jewish people, God’s Divine light remains constant. But it is up to each and every Jew to place ourselves in relationship to the Menorah—so that we can receive that light and warmth!
Posted by Lee at June 14, 2005 10:51 AM
