Art by Yitzchok Schmukler
A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY
This week’s Parsha (Tetzave) has a unique feature: Moses’s name is not mentioned. It does refer to him, just not by name. Along these same lines, there are many underlying lessons in the Parsha, generally and specifically, that aren’t initially apparent. In one of those lessons, we are told of how the Menorah is to be utilized in the Temple on a regular basis; we are told that it should use pure olive oil, “crushed for the luminary.” Certainly an interesting instruction and one that does not have to be specifically listed! Furthermore, if you’re going to say that, it should say, “in order to illuminate”! What is “the luminary” for goodness sake and why should it be crushed?
That’s exactly it. The luminary represents the light that exists in the depths of our souls. We each have that light. It’s there. Sometimes brighter, sometimes dimmer but it’s always there. And how does it come out? There are various ways to make it happen but one very impactful is to get crushed. Not easy, and seemingly not good but by being challenged, by being tested, and by being pressed, we can bring that luminary to the forefront. Nothing good comes easy. This week we celebrate the holiday of Purim. Purim represents a time when the Jewish people were being crushed and the threat of death was real. And imminent. And yet what happened? They didn’t just resort to “Woe is me! We’re doomed! It’s over!” Rather, they banded together in prayer and tapped into their essence, ensuring that their individual and collective lights shone brightly. Although no overt miracle occurred, G-d changed their fortune and Haman, who seemingly held all the cards, was utterly defeated. So let us take this lesson with us as we celebrate Purim: We don’t always see the whole picture—fact, we usually don’t—but G-d always has our backs. Sometimes the good is hidden and we may feel crushed. But, if we remember that we are all divine ambassadors, we know that our temporary pain is for our eternal gain. That’s how we become our best selves so we can finish the job of healing our world! Good Shabbos!