Rabbi Jon’s Reflection on This Week’s Torah Portion
2.23.2024
Tetzaveh 2024: The Eternal Light: A Metaphor for Holiness
A short reflection on Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20−30:10)
We see them in every sanctuary, in every synagogue, and every temple. I’m not talking about rabbis, cantors, congregants or B'nai Mitzvah students. I’m referring to that which hangs over the ark and is always lit. If you guessed the Ner Tamid, you’d be right. Ner Tamid is the term for the lamp that is continually or perpetually burning in our houses of worship. This week’s Torah portion, commands us regarding this eternal light. Exodus 27:20 reads: “You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly.” A Ner Tamid, according to the text, is a continually burning light like the one above our ark. That is the peshat or simple explanation.
But, the Ner Tamid, according to rabbinic and mystical interpretation, is not a physical light at all. The Ner Tamid is a symbol, a metaphor. But, for what? Traditionally, Judaism argues that the Jewish people are a light unto the nations. We believe that God needs us to bring the light of justice and the hope for peace into the world. As Genesis Rabbah teaches, we are supposed to be “A light to all the nations” (Genesis Rabbah 36:2). We are to lead the way spiritually.
Here’s another perspective -- could our Ner Tamid be a symbol for the Torah or the ideas, the light, that flows from Torah?
The Torah provides the light of wisdom to all who study it. Our stories and our laws shine forth from it. So, perhaps it is a symbol of education. We are a people who love to study and learn.
Or is the Ner Tamid a reminder of all the mitzvot, all the ethical teachings and ritual commandments we are told to observe. Proverbs 6:23 reads, “The mitzvah is a lamp; the teaching is a light.” Doesn’t every good deed brighten the world? Does the Ner Tamid symbolize all the love, kindness and generosity brought into the world by those who carry out the commandments and teaching of Torah (Genesis Rabbah 36:3)?
The Ner Tamid. An eternal light. A continuous light. But without human beings stoking the flames, the flame will go out. If we do not go forth into the world doing good deeds, if we do not go forth studying our Torah, if we do not believe that each person is chosen to be a shining example of something, then the light of our soul will dim.
What is the Ner Tamid?
A reminder to do gemilut hasadim -- righteous acts, to be examples to others, and to learn lessons from Torah that light up our souls. May we all be blessed with an internal Ner Tamid, an internal light, that guides us to a place of holiness through action and through study.
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TETZAVEH SUMMARY FROM THE URJ
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The children of Israel are commanded to bring pure olive oil for the ner tamid "a constantly burning light," above the sanctuary. (27:20-21)
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Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, are chosen to serve as priests. (28:1)
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God instructs Moses to make special clothes for the priests. (28:2-43)
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Aaron and his sons are ordained in a seven-day ceremony (29:1-29:46)
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Aaron is commanded to burn incense on an acacia altar every morning and evening. (30:1-10)
For more on this Torah portion from the URJ go to:
