We're going to explore a particularly intriguing passage from Sifrei Bamidbar, a commentary on the Book of Numbers, which delves into the lighting of the menorah, the sacred candelabrum.
The burning question at the heart of this passage is: How exactly were the lamps of the menorah meant to be lit? Did they all shine outwards, illuminating the entire space equally? Or was there a specific direction and order to their illumination?
Initially, one might assume that all the lamps should shine across the entire menorah. After all, didn’t Exodus 25:37 say that the artificer should fashion the lamps so that it lights across its face? But, as Sifrei Bamidbar points out, Numbers 8:2 clarifies this: "towards the face shall the seven lamps light." This tells us that the lamps were arranged parallel to the central shaft, with the central lamp itself mirroring the others.
Picture this: three lamps on the north side, three on the south, and one – the menorah itself – in the very middle. All of them aligned, shining towards the center. It’s a beautiful image of harmony and focus. Rabbi Nathan even suggests that "the middle one is honored," highlighting the central lamp's significance.
But why the specific instruction to Aaron? Sifrei Bamidbar explains that because the entire section deals with Aaron's duties, the words are specifically directed to him. The phrase "and say to him" is seen as an exhortation, a gentle yet firm reminder of his responsibility.
The text then dives into the nuances of the Hebrew. "Beha'alothecha," meaning "when you raise the lamps," is interpreted as "make steps" (ma'aloth) for it. This could refer to either physical steps to reach the lamps or metaphorical steps in the process of lighting them. The phrase "mul panim," meaning "towards the face," is further clarified: Arrange the three lamps on each side facing "towards" and "face" – that is, towards the central shaft.
Now, a crucial question arises: Were these lamps meant to burn perpetually? Could someone assume they lit forever? Sifrei Bamidbar cites Leviticus 24:3, "from evening until morning," to dispel that notion. This verse establishes a timeframe. However, if only “from evening until morning” were written, one might think it applied to all the lamps. To further refine our understanding, the text refers to Leviticus 24:2: "to cause a lamp to light continuously." This, our passage explains, refers specifically to the western lamp. That lamp burned continuously, and it was from that lamp that the others were kindled each evening.
So, what does all of this mean for us today? Perhaps it's a reminder that even in the most detailed rituals, there's always room for interpretation and deeper understanding. The Sages, through texts like Sifrei Bamidbar, invite us to engage with the text, to question, and to seek out the hidden layers of meaning. It’s not just about following instructions; it’s about understanding the why behind them. And maybe, just maybe, finding a little bit of ourselves in the process.