Eternal Light Through Moses

This is the only Torah reading between the birth of Moses and the Book of Deuteronomy where Moses’ name is not mentioned. Our Rabbis note: After G‑d told Moses that He would destroy the Jewish people and build a new nation from Moses’ descendants, Moses replied: “If You do wipe me out from Your book.” And so, since every thing a Torah sage says has an effect, even though G‑d did not wipe out the people, there is one Torah reading where Moses’ name is wiped out and ignored.

Nevertheless, that very Torah reading begins: “And you will command the Jewish people.” And the word used for command, Tetzaveh, also has the implication “connect,” as in the word, tzavta. In the Torah reading where Moses’ name is ignored, his connection to the Jewish people is highlighted.

In His command to Moses, G‑d tells him that the people should bring the oil to him. A question arises: It was Aaron the priest who kindled the Menorah, why wasn’t the oil brought to him directly? Why must it first be brought to Moses?

Aaron brought the sacrifices. Thus he was identified with the service of prayer. Moses, by contrast, was the lawgiver, identified with the Torah and its study.

The difference between the two: Prayer is man’s words, directed at G‑d, but coming from man’s heart. Therefore they are limited as man is limited. The Torah, by contrast, is G‑d’s word, infinite and unbounded as He is.

Now the Menorah was intended to be a continuous light, burning at all times. For this to be possible, it needed the timeless dimension contributed by Moses and his study. For within every Jew, there is an unlimited spiritual potential, something not bound by man and his limits. That can be expressed in prayer. Often, however, for this inner level to rise to the surface and flourish, it should be cultivated by the unlimited light of the Torah. Thus it is Moses who enables every Jew to tap his innermost spiritual resources and maintain a constant commitment.

Aaron inspires the love of G‑d. Moses teaches knowledge. Love flickers, rising and ebbing. Knowledge changes a person from the inside, leaving a lasting effect on every element of his character.

Shabbat Shalom!

Candle lighting time: 5:27 PM