Parshat Bi’ha’loh’ticha (When You Will Ascend to Light the Menorah)
By Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort
CARLSBAD, California — This week’s reading is Parshat Bi’ha’loh’ticha, which begins with the Mitzvah of lighting the Menorah. This special and symbolic Mitzvah was given to Aharon HaCohen and his children. When thinking about this portion it occurred to me that there are some powerful messages that can be applied to marriage, as this week I celebrate my 33rd wedding anniversary.
Although the Menorah had seven branches it was crafted from one piece of gold. Even with all of its beautiful decorations and ornaments it all came from one single piece. When the Menorah was lit each day all of the wicks pointed towards the center.
Another interesting thing about our portion. The commentaries tell us that the wording of the Torah informs us that when they lit the Menorah, they had to hold the flame in place and until each individual wick would stay lit on its own. They couldn’t pull away the source of the flame before it really took hold on the new wick.
Finally, we see that they made a special step that the Cohen would stand on while lighting the Menorah.
I think all of these details have a very powerful message for a married couple.
Regarding the numerous branches all emanating from the same single piece of gold we see that although a couple certainly has different pursuits in their jobs and hobbies they must always remember that they are from one shared soul. No matter what happens that is something that they have always available to them. The couple should always remember that they share their soul. They are truly one in the most profound way possible!
Regarding lighting the Menorah by keeping the flame in place a couple certainly finds that there will be times when one or the other will demonstrate support for each other. They should be each other’s biggest fan! The support that they offer should be offered in such a way that it is held in place until it takes hold and then the light will not be extinguished. A couple must be continual in its mutual support!
Finally, lighting the Menorah, or in this case lighting up the world by being a strong, Jewish couple, is an honor and privilege. When approached this way we honor our heritage. Our people have always been experts in Hachnasat Orchim – having lots of guests and doing lots of Mitzvot! It is the biggest merit for us as human beings to fulfill these Mitzvot. When a couple gets married they formalize their commitment to each other and to G-d, and they quickly come to realize that together they can accomplish so much more than either can individually. Make sure that G-d is a partner in your home!
Wishing everyone an uplifting, joyous, and HEALTHY Shabbos!
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Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort is Director of Coastal Chabads and Chabad at La Costa. Rabbi Eilfort welcomes readers’ comments and questions and may be reached at RabbiE@ChabadatLaCosta.com. Editor’s Note: All of us at San Diego Jewish World are happy to wish Rabbi Yeruchem and Rebbetzin Nechama Eilfort a very happy anniversary! Hazak! Hazak!