Dvar Torah Parshat Beha’alotcha

The parsha opens by describing how the menorah was to be made of pure gold and how it was to be lit.  The menorah was a seven-branched golden candlestick, all branches coming out of a single base and stem.
The stem and branches were to be beautifully designed and adorned.
This beautifully decorated menorah is one of the most ancient and
beloved symbols of our people and Judaism.  Its seven branches have
been interpreted in many ways.  The six lights represent the creation
of the universe in six days, and the center light represents the
Shabbat.  Another commentator relates the seven branches to the
earth’s seven continents.  Josephus likens the branches to the sun,
moon, and planets, and considers them a constant reminder of Hashem’s creative power.  In other commentaries, the branches represent the many differences of Judaism that have existed in the past, as well as today.  They are careful to point out, however, that all the branches stem from the same central base, from the same unifying force, the Jewish people.  The idea of unity of our people (always vital to me and should be to all of us) is best expressed in the words, “The Menorah must be hammered work.”  All its uprights and ornaments had to be beaten out of a single sheet of gold.  Betzalel and Ohaliav, the artisans were not allowed to make the parts separately and screw them or solder them together.  They took one piece of metal and hammered the different shapes out of it.  Similarly, the Jewish people are not (and should not be) a federation of different denominations.
We are one people, bound by common history and destiny.  I am reminded of the famous words of Patrick Henry, “We will hang separately or all hang together.”  Isn’t that the lot of the Jewish people!  Let us learn from the Menorah that all the lights were lit to gleam towards the middle shaft.  The reason given in the Talmud is Hashem’s statement, “I do not need its light.”  It is we who need the light, which symbolizes all forms of wisdom and knowledge that man can attain through his/her own intellect.

Shabbat Shalom

Rav Gabriel Elias