In the first verse of this week‘s parasha, we read; “And you shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly” (Exodus 27:20). This verse is a bridge between the account of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) we read in such detail in last week‘s parasha (Terumah) and the utilisation of the Mishkan in the daily ritual of service, and particularly the lighting of the Menorah, the seven-branched candelabra symbolising personal and communal light and spiritual identity.
On the surface, the commandment to use “clear oil of beaten olives for lighting” seems like a simple instruction about the quality of the oil used in the Menorah. But this phrase can also teach us about personal growth, spiritual refinement, and how we can become a source of divine light in the world. Midrash Shemot Rabbah (36:1) likens the Jewish people to an olive. Just as olives yield their precious oil only when pressed, so can we yield our best wisdom, strength, and faith when we are subjected to trials and tribulations. This idea is also deeply relevant on a personal level. Our challenges can ultimately help cleanse us, rendering us sources of light for ourselves and others.
The Torah also prescribes that the oil must be clean (pure) and beaten for (the purpose of) lighting. The Talmud (Menachot 86a) also provides further information regarding the extraction of the oil, citing the requirement of purity and purpose. Rashi refers to this lesson and explains that only the very first drop of oil from each olive was used for the Menorah, since it was the cleanest and best. The rest of the oil, while still appropriate for other purposes (i.e. meal offerings), wasn’t of the extremely high quality required for the sacred light of the Menorah.
This teaches us how we can seek our own spirituality. When we study Torah, perform mitzvot, pray, and engage in ma‘asim tovim (good deeds) we need to offer our “purest oil”, our best, unadulterated by ulterior motives. True spirituality and service need to be a product of sincerity, commitment, and a heart purified through conscientious introspection. The Menorah oil represents the efforts we put into our relationship with God and with other people so that our spiritual endeavors and concern for others are of the highest quality.
The verse concludes with the purpose of the oil, instructing that it is “for lighting lamps regularly”. While the Menorah was designed to provide light, it also represented the eternal divine presence in the Mishkan and later the Temple. The light of the Menorah also symbolises wisdom and Torah.
The role of the Menorah was not only to illuminate the Mishkan, but to serve as a source of divine truth to the entire world. This is true for all of us. The prophet Isaiah refers to us as a “light unto the nations” when he describes our role as teachers of moral and spiritual instruction.
Just as the Menorah was lit every day to keep the sanctuary illuminated, so too are we obligated to light the fire of Torah and mitzvot in ourselves and others. Through our acts of compassion, our ethical conduct, and our devotion to paths of justice and truth, we become bearers of divine light in a world too often filled with darkness.
The light of the Menorah was not just a physical requirement, but it was and is a reminder of our mission to illuminate the world with justice and love. That it required “clear oil of beaten olives for lighting” reminds us that leadership will come through purity, sincerity, and dedication. As we grapple with our own conflicts, let us remember that as with the olive, our conflicts can bring forth the purest and most radiant aspects of our souls. Let us all endeavour to be lamps of divine light, illuminating Torah, mitzvot, and ma‘asim tovim into the world.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein