Rise Up Israel

In the Diaspora, Parashat Beha’alotcha (Numbers 8:1–12:16) is read this week, offering special meaning outside Eretz Israel. This portion opens with the daily lighting of the Menorah, which illuminates the sanctuary within the Tabernacle (Mishkan).

The Menorah was produced from a single mass of superbly malleable, pure gold, hammered into shape—yet retaining its beauty and strength without breaking or cracking. That description, like all the words of Torah, holds deeper lessons. In this case, it reveals the value of fully lived experiences and the lessons that B’esrat HaShem (with God’s help) shape us into souls motivated by charity, clarity and holy truths.

Aaron is commanded to light the Menorah—an act also rich in symbolism. Within the context of what follows in this Torah portion, the command seems almost out of place. Yet we know that everything in Torah is exactly where it should be.

After the light is kindled, the Levi’im are dedicated for service in the Tabernacle. Thus, the Menorah represents the truth that spiritual readiness must precede physical action.

The fact that Aaron “goes up to raise” the light of the Menorah teaches us to elevate every task and overcome every challenge, leading us to enlightenment. In later verses, Israel begins their trek to the Promised Land, literally making aliyah—going up—to Eretz Israel.

Israel alone was entrusted with the task of carrying the light of Torah into history. But that light was never meant to remain hidden in the wilderness, nor was Israel’s national mission meant to be fulfilled in exile. The people must go up to the Land to become what God called them to be: a light to the nations.

In their journey, Israel will stumble, but those missteps become life lessons. And the constant light of the Menorah, which also represents God’s eternal truth, does not dim. Despite stumbling, God will not conceal His light from his nation. As the Psalmist reminds us: “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light for my path” — Psalms 119:105.

This portion of the Torah—which begins with the act of lighting the Menorah—teaches us that Israel’s failings in the wilderness are temporary, even necessary, for shaping the nation for its destiny.

The national symbol of modern Israel is the Menorah. The light is still kindled. The journey is not yet complete. Driven by the rigors of history, the Jewish People are a nation with many still in the exile but they continue to rise and go up to the Land from which the light of Torah will shine forth.