Parshat Beha’alotecha, Numbers 8:1 – 12:16

This week’s portion Beha’alotecha, describes how Aaron the High Priest is to kindle the menorah. Interestingly enough it doesn’t use the term kindle—which would read b’hadlaktcha, but beha’alotecha- which means when you raise or up or mount the candles. It is the same root as aliyah-to go up. Rashi the great Torah commentator told us that there was a step before the menorah and literally the priest would step up to kindle the lights of the menorah.

What does it mean to step up to bring light? For the High Priest, Aaron this light was not merely any light—but holy light. It illuminated the Holy of Holy and brought light upon the showbread table and Ark of the Covenant. The light of the menorah-and its seven lamps represent the Divine and Holy light that filled this sacred space. The fact that the High Priest had the honor of stepping up to kindle this holy light brought honor to the priesthood and indeed the physical elevation described here is also a symbolic representation of the elevation of seemingly mundane acts to the level of the sacred. This is not just kindling any ordinary flame but a Divine flame that will bathe the world in Divine light.

In fact the Menorah of the ancient temple and tabernacle was not at eye level but according to the Talmud was 18 tefachim high (Menachot 28b) approximately 5 and ½ feet. But Aaron had to kindle it and prepare the wicks by looking down upon it. He was able to take care of the menorah and ensure that the menorah would be properly prepared and the lamps would light up the Tabernacle. Thus the step up –literally helps prepare the menorah for holy light.

Just as God shared the Divine light and asked the High Priest to prepare it and kindle it, Moses helps prepare the Levites for their tasks helping them purify and wash so that they would be ready to bring the Divine Presence in the midst of the people. This preparation would help them perform their service in the Tent of Meeting (8:22). To step up to their holy work, the Levites needed preparation

And in this portion as well, Moses shares his sacred spirit with 70 elders of Israel. His burdens of carrying the leadership have proven to be too great and God instructs Moses to share his inspiration and spirit with these 70 leaders (11:24). Through prophecy and ecstasy these leaders were imbued with this sacred leadership. Moses shared his own light with these leaders. To step up to their holy work, these leaders were kindled by Moses’ own spirit.

When we light the flame of the chanukiah at Chanukah the shamash candle lights up the other wicks. Its flame illuminates and prepares the other lights to shine on their own. That is the theme of this week’s portion. Aaron prepares and brings the light of the menorah to shine on its own. Moses’ helps and prepares the Levites to bring the light of their holy work on their own. And Moses’ helps and shares with the 70 elders his spirit and God’s Holy Spirit so they can engage in the sacred service before the people.

May we learn to share our inner light with others so that we too can lift and elevate and raise up a holy light in the world.

Posted by Eric at June 8, 2009 09:14 AM