Today is the 30th day of the Omer.
This week’s kavanot are all inspired by passages found in the weekly Torah portions from Leviticus. Among the most difficult books for a modern reader to comprehend, Leviticus (with the exception of one chapter) is an esoteric text focused on priestly (Cohanim) behavior and obscure sacrificial practices. Never ones to shirk from a challenge, commentators throughout the ages have plumbed the book for contemporary relevance. Each of the readings for this week will share some of those gems with the Wise community.
Tzav: The Second Torah Portion in Leviticus
Above the ark in every synagogue there’s a light that remains lit even when there’s not a soul in the building. Unlike the emergency lights that have a utilitarian purpose. The Ner Tamid—Eternal Light—doesn’t show us the way out, the way in, or provide enough light by which to read. It is the universal Jewish interpretation of the words in this Torah portion: אֵ֗שׁ תָּמִ֛יד תּוּקַ֥ד עַל־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ לֹ֥א תִכְבֶֽה׃ — “a perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar, not to go out.”
Inevitably, when we introduce young kids to the Ner Tamid, they ask: “What if it goes out?!” Glibly, I often respond: “Then the custodian replaces the lightbulb!” I’ve come to realize that’s the wrong answer. What I should say is: “We can’t ever let it go out, that’s our responsibility.” In the Torah portion, it was the responsibility of the Cohanim to keep the fire lit, but now, keeping the fire lit is a communal task.
We have always been a minority living in the midst of powerful, sometimes threatening nations. Even the sliver of land we call our homeland occupies a tiny slice of land in a fraught region. What has kept us alive as a People and allowed us to thrive and make our contributions to the world is that each individual member of our community sees it as their responsibility to keep the fire burning. When we each take personal responsibility to maintain the fire, it burns continually from generation to generation. Do you see the responsibility for the Jewish future resting on your shoulders? The next time you are in the sanctuary and you gaze at that light above the ark, know that it is burning because those who’ve come before you have kept it alight. It will only maintain its brightness for the next generation if you join with others to keep the flame burning.
— Rabbi Ron Stern