This week’s Torah portion, Beha’alotekha, opens with the commandment to Aaron to kindle the lamps of the menorah in the Mishkan (Numbers 8:2). The imagery is beautiful—bringing light into sacred space, ensuring that illumination radiates outward. Yet, the deeper message is not simply about fire or ritual. It’s about responsibility, community, and continuity. It’s about how we carry the light—not alone, but with others.
The medieval commentator Rashi notes on this verse that the flames should “rise on their own” (ta’aleh shalhevet me’eileha). This simple phrase holds profound meaning: our task is not just to ignite, but to empower. Aaron’s role was not merely to light the menorah, but to kindle each lamp in such a way that it would sustain itself. It’s a powerful metaphor for leadership, teaching, and nurturing—whether in families, congregations, or communities.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been deeply privileged to take part in two very special family simchas: the bat mitzvah of my brother’s daughter in an Orthodox setting at a camp, and the bat mitzvah of my sister’s daughter in a Conservative synagogue in the United States. Though the settings and customs differed, both moments were deeply moving and spiritually uplifting.
What made these occasions especially powerful for me was the opportunity to teach both of my nieces the Kabbalat Shabbat service from afar. Across time zones and screens, we studied together, explored the meaning of the psalms, and practiced the melodies. To then witness them lead their communities in prayer—confident, poised, and filled with joy—was overwhelming in the best possible way. They each took what I had taught them and made it their own, their voices rising like flames that now burn brightly on their own.
This experience reminded me of another image from Beha’alotekha: the Israelites journeying through the wilderness, each tribe with its own banner, yet moving together. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l reflects on this motif, noting how unity in Judaism is not sameness, but harmony among difference. He writes: “The Menorah’s light symbolises the diversity of the Jewish people, each branch contributing its unique flame to the whole.”
Here in Australia, we are blessed with a Jewish community that is diverse yet connected. Orthodox, Progressive, Masorti, secular, and everything in between—each adds a unique light to our collective menorah. The simchas I joined reminded me how, regardless of denominational lines or geographic distance, we are part of one people, one shared story.
As I return to our congregation, I feel renewed in my role as a “kindler.” Whether guiding a bar mitzvah student, visiting an elder, or standing beside someone at a moment of joy or grief, I remember Rashi’s words. My job is not just to ignite, but to help others shine on their own.
May we all carry our flames with dignity, and may the light we share together illuminate a path of unity, joy, and sacred purpose.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth