Mar 11/06 - Shabbat Tetzaveh/Shabbat Zachor

Commentary by Chazzan Aníbal Mass

The eternal light (Ner Tamid) mentioned at the beginning of our Parashah (Exodus 27:20) is one of the most important objects associated with the synagogue. We find it hanging over the Aron Kodesh (Sacred Ark) and it points out a special section of the Sanctuary.

The Israelites were ordered to bring pure olive oil to feed this light in order to assure that this flame remained continuously lit. It symbolized the eternal presence of God in the Holy Temple. Our sages added later on that the Ner Tamid would be the symbol of the devotion of the Israelites, and a reminder that we should always try to maintain and to sustain the spiritual light of our faith (Talmud, Menachot 53b).

In fact, the biblical commandment corroborates the previous statement. It was an obligation of all the people to provide the oil in order to maintain the eternal flame. Although the act of lighting the Ner Tamid was carried out by Aaron, the Supreme Priest (Cohen Gadol) and later on by his descendants, the responsibility of maintaining the Eternal Light was for all the People of Israel. The Israelites had the obligation of bringing the purest oil after pressing and processing the olives delicately.

Our rabbis compared Israel with olives that give the best of themselves after they are pressed. In the same way, the people of Israel radiated a spiritual light when confronting adversity (Talmud, Menachot 53b). But our sages insisted on making sure that the pure oil for the light was obtained only by pressing olives with delicacy. If, on the contrary, the process was done with intense force, the oil obtained would surely contain much sediment.

In the same way, life should have—as it has—challenges that stimulate the growth and development of each of us. But too much pressure usually overwhelms us and produces paralysis. On the other hand, an excessively calm and routine life that lacks any kind of challenge is frequently a meaningless existence where the mind is numb and the spirit is anesthetized.

The Rabbis emphasized the necessity of spiritual development that would make possible the Eternal Light that illuminates the darkness of the night.

The best way to overcome evil and its darkness is to have the light ready when it is still darkening, when it is not yet completely dark. Maintaining a constant light, we can face the challenges of life and prevail over the darkness before it reaches catastrophic proportions.

The Ner Tamid, brilliant and splendid, shining in every synagogue has given our people a constant message that a well-tended and cared for little light can prevail over moral darkness and, in that way, can transform the challenges of life into opportunities for the development of spiritual strength in each one of us.

Shabbat Shalom.