Behaalotecha

It is hard to believe that this incredible year is coming to a close. On the one hand there is a feeling of sadness as an unbelievable year of friendships, growth, learning and giving is ending. On the other hand, it is inspiring to see such a wonderful group of young women who have accomplished so much, preparing to take the next step in their lives.

As Bnei Yisrael continue on their journey towards Eretz Yisrael, Aharon is given the special task of lighting the Menorah.  How is this mitzvah connected to the journeys of the people?

It is interesting that the word used when directing Aharon to light the Menorah is not what we would expect. Instead of the word להדליק, to kindle, the word used is בהעלותך, from the root עליה. The Gemara in Shabbat explains that the unusual word was chosen due to the nature of the kindling of the lights.  Aharon was to “light the lamp until the flame rises by itself”; he placed the initial flame next to the wick until the new flame rose and burned independently. Only then would he move on to the light the next lamp. 

Each of the six lamps of the Menorah was lit               “אל פני המנורה” each of the outer six lamps burned towards the central lamp. As the Netziv points out, the Menorah symbolises all forms of wisdom which is why it is made from one solid piece of gold. He explains how the central stem of the Menorah represents the wisdom of Torah, whereas the three branches on each side represent other forms of wisdom – the ones our students will be encountering in their ongoing studies. 

And so the Torah teaches us a powerful lesson through this command of the Menorah, one which our students have already internalised. They have taken the fire of Torah and Chessed which burn so strongly at MTC and have ignited their own hearts and souls. Each student stands independently, each young woman is alight with Emunah, Torah and selfless giving. I am confident they are each ready to continue their journey into the outside world. This world has many flames of wisdom, but our MTC students, soon to be alumni, will gracefully turn those flames towards the central flame of Torah and Hashem.

As I look around our Bet Midrash, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the flames about to step into the next stage of their lives, and I am excited to see the entire world become a brighter place thanks to their presence. 

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom.