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GENERAL INTEREST

Rabbi Berel Wein
PARASHAT TETZAVEH

The Eternal Flame

his week’s Torah reading estab- a fire lit, over which we bless G-d for violence and the prevention of the
lishes for us the commandment allowing us to create this most necessary spread of plagues and epidemics. In
Tof having an eternal flame burn of all human inventions. effect, the fire of creativity that is the
in the Mishkan and later in the Mikdash Fire is a double-edged sword. It warms hallmark of humanity, from infancy
in Yerushalayim as well. This command- and lights and it damages and destroys. onwards, is an eternal gift the L-rd has
ment is repeated regarding the mizbeach Like all human inventions, especially bestowed upon us. This is perhaps part
in the Mishkan and in the Mikdash those of our modern world over the of the symbolism of the eternal flame
where an eternal flame was also to be past century, the use of all inventions described in this week’s Torah reading.
present on the mizbeach of sacrifices. contains ambivalence. The invention Our sense of creativity is symbolized
The concept and symbol of an eternal can be used for great and good things by the eternal flame that burns in our
flame has been repeated throughout and it also can destroy all that has been houses of worship. But that flame also
Jewish history and is found in all Jewish accomplished. burns deep within the soul of human
synagogues throughout the world.
Fire therefore represents the human beings. It is that internal flame that can
I have often wondered about the sig- capacity for good and for evil. The Torah and should be converted to an eternal
nificance of a flame of fire somehow teaches us that this capacity is an eter- flame by good deeds, moral values and
representing eternity. nal one and that the challenge of having good intentions. Human beings require

I think this has to do with the fact the good triumph over evil never disappears. symbols to actuate noble values and
Torah instructs us to imitate our Creator Good provides eternal energy and drives ideas. All the symbols that appear in
to the extent that is humanly possible. the engine of morality and holiness. Evil the Mishkan come to reinforce the value
The first creation of G-d, so to speak, also contributes to the advancement of system the Torah teaches us. An eternal
was light, energy, fire if you will. The civilization though it must always be flame represents much more than the
first invention of man, according to Mid- controlled and dominated by the good burning wick of a candle.
rash, was at the conclusion of the Shab- sense of morality innate within us.
bat when human beings first learned Most advancements in medicine have Rabbi Berel Wein is Senior Rabbi of Beit
how to create fire. It is the origin of our occurred through discoveries made in Knesset HaNassi in Jerusalem and Director
custom in the havdalah service to have trying to heal the wounds of war and of the Destiny Foundation.

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