Parshas Tetzaveh (Zachor) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
ואתה תצוה את בני ישראל ויקחו אליך שמן זית זך כתית למאור להעלת נר תמיד ... (כז-כ)
Chazal describe the process by which the Menorah was lit. The Kohen first kindled the ner ma’arvi and that flame was used to light the next lamp to its right, which then ignited the one beside it, and so on. The question is, if the western-most ner was the most chashuv, why not use it to light the entire Menorah?
R’ Pinchos Horowitz (Panim Yafos) explains that the lighting of the Menorah symbolizes the proper way Torah is transmitted. Torah flowed from Hashem to Moshe, from Moshe to Aharon, and then Aharon shared it with the others. This chain was not merely a practical system of spreading Torah but rather a necessary structure. Not every Yid was capable of being taught Torah directly from Moshe Rabbeinu; some needed to receive it through Aharon or further down the chain. This, explains the Baal Hafla’ah, is why at Matan Torah each person had a designated place. If anyone moved from their proper position, Hashem warned "ונפל ממנו רב", a great tragedy would result. Torah’s existence in Klal Yisroel required each person to stand where he belongs.
A cognizant person realizes that he serves as a critical function in Torah’s existence. The name ישראל is a mnemonic for יש ששים רבוי אותיות לתורה. Every Yid is a letter in the Torah. Regardless of stature, everyone is a Mushpa and then a Mashpia on his level. One does not need to be a public lecturer or a Maggid Shiur to influence others. It is equally important to share Torah and its values to friends and family. Torah’s very continuation relies on it! Whereas at Matan Torah, the divisions were clearly defined, in the story of Purim, Klal Yisroel was "הדר קבלוה ברצון". The barriers fell, and the nation as a whole reaccepted the Torah willingly. On Purim we drink wine, because when דעת is suspended, hierarchy dissolves. A person no longer thinks, “Who am I to give?” Accordingly, all the Mitzvos of the day are an act of giving; reading the Megilla for others to hear, Matanos Laevoynim, Mishloach Manos and sharing a Seuda together. This is the essence of Torah. It is ours to give over.