“and the menorah for lighting and its implements and its lamps, and the oil for lighting”
Question:
Why does the pasuk say that the menorah was used for lighting but then repeats itself by saying the oil was used for lighting?
Rashi says that the pasuk specifies oil because the oil used for the menorah was different from other oils. The olives used for this oil were olives that were picked from the top of the olive trees and were pure.
What are other things we can learn from the way the Menora was built and used in the Mishkan?
Ayala Kilimnick-
ReplyDeleteIbn Ezra says that we remember the oil used to light the menora that it was used when it was made. I like this because it’s reminding of us of the creation of the menorah.
In parsha behaaloscha, the sforno comments on the way the menorah was built. The candles on the left and right were both leaning towards the middle. He explains that the candles on the right represent people who focus on serving hashem and the candles on the left represent those who are involved in the material world, who help support those focusing on spiritual matters. He explains that together they face the middle candle which represents that both of their purpose is to praise hashem. I like this answer because it explains how both roles are necessary in life.
ReplyDeleteMeira Baum:
ReplyDeleteTali Loewenthal a writer for chabad.org discusses how the Menorah had to be made from one block of gold. However, the Menorah had seven lamps, not just one. The rabbis teach us that this aspect of the Menorah signifies the diversity of Jewish people, I think this message is really nice because it shows even though we re all diffrent we all have a similar root which is the torah.
The menorah was built with seven candles which represents the natural order of the world (seven days of creation and seven days of the week) but now we have eight which represents beyond nature. Before when the menorah was built with seven candles it was enough to light up the entire world but now there is more spiritual darkness in the world so we need an eight to light up the world. When the 7\8 candles are burning, it transforms the world into a G-dly place. I find this idea motivating because since the menorah was built differently back then (7) and now we have 8 candles it makes us want to strive to be better and fill the world with light.
ReplyDeleteThe oil we use for the menorah is another special characteristic of how the menorah was used in the mishkan We use the same oil as we do the lighting the menorah then we do for the mincha offering. The Rambam says that the reason we use the same oil that we use for the menorah then we use for the the mincha offering is because its the highest quality oil. The Rambam says the reason that we use this high quality oil is because that we should only use the best material when doing a mitzvah. Rabbi Tarfan also comments on this he says that the reason this high quality oil was used is because it produces the best flame and the menorah requires the best flame.
ReplyDeleteI love the Rambams comment because it shows how important each mitzvah truly is. I also love Rabbi Tarfans opinion because it gives a more practical approach and that we have to be sure that we are also using the best material for the best results.
Mimi:
ReplyDeleteRashi also says that the Menorah was known for its lamps נרתיה- bowls into which the oil and wicks were placed
I really like this idea because it points out the special parts of the Menorah
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch says the menorah being Made completely of gold, symbolizes the solidness and timelessness which Judaism is to develop in the mishkan through Hashems spirit. Resembling a tree, the menorah symbolized the Jewish people reaching out and growing towards God.
ReplyDeleteI like how this interpretation focuses on the Jewish people growth, which is relevant when the menorah was created and relevant now.
Sylvie