This week we read parshat Tetzaveh. This portion is full of descriptions for things to go into the Tabernacle and what the priests need to wear. Tetzaveh, Exodus 27:20-21, opens with the following lines
20. You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly.
21. Aaron and his sons shall set them up in the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain which is over [the Ark of] the Pact, [to burn] from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a due from the Israelites for all time, throughout the ages.
We are introduced to commandment of having an eternal light, or the ner tamid. These are usually found hanging above the ark and serve as a reminder of God’s Presence in our lives. You can still see some oil powered eternal lights today, but most of the ones you will see are now powered by electricity. The ner tamid serves as a reminder of the light in the darkness and how there is always some light around us, no matter how heavy the darkness in our lives might feel.
Not only is the ner tamid a symbol of God’s everlasting Presence, but it is also a symbol of community. The commandment is that all of the Israelites are to bring oil for burning. It is not the sole responsibility of one person to keep the flame lit, just as it is not one person’s responsibility to bring the light of God into our lives. We must work together, as a community, to bring out change, and to promote loving kindness. Also, if you happen to walk into your synagogue’s sanctuary and see that the ner tamid is out, feel free to let your clergy know! It is your duty, afterall.
Interested in learning a little bit more? Check out “Is this Burning an Eternal Flame?” by Rabbi Marci N. Bellows
To keep in this theme of eternity and everlasting, and to have a little fun, we made a playlist for you! We combed through our personal playlists, lists curated by different people on the internet, and the knowledge of our parents to compile an eclectic and fun mix of songs. The songs range in decades, genres, and artists and are either longer than seven minutes or reference eternity/everlasting in the title. Have something to add? Drop up a comment!
Stay warm, wear a mask, and wash your hands.
Love,
Amanda & Marissa
