Behaalotecha: The lighting of the menorah and the Israelites' journey from Sinai.

This week's Torah portion, Behaalotecha, relates two key events in the Israelites' journey through the wilderness after leaving Mount Sinai. First, it describes the special mitzvah of lighting the menorah in the Tabernacle. God instructs Aaron, “When you light the lamps, the seven lamps shall cast their light toward the face of the menorah.” This lighting of the menorah was a sacred duty given to Aaron and future high priests to perform twice daily, from that point onward.

The Enduring Light of the Menorah

The menorah had seven branches, shaped like a flowering almond tree. Scholars highlight the symbolism of the seven lamps representing the six days of creation and the seventh day of rest. The lighting of the menorah was emblematic of the Israelites’ purpose – to be an oracle of God and spread divine light to the nations. This mitzvah endures through the eternal light hanging in every synagogue and the nine-branched Chanukah menorah lit during the holiday in wintertime.

Departure from Mount Sinai 

The second key event in Behaalotecha is the departure from Mount Sinai after a year-long encampment there. The Torah portion enumerates the intricate order and organization of the different tribes during their travels. There is a census of the Levite clans and their respective duties in transporting the Tabernacle. In vivid detail, the Torah describes how each tribe encamped around the Tabernacle and traveled with it through the desert.

At this pivotal moment of their journey to the Promised Land, God makes a visible pillar of cloud during the day and fire during the night to lead the Israelites on the proper path. Moses implores his father-in-law Hobab to travel with them so they can benefit from his familiarity with the wilderness terrain and topography.

Crisis of Faith and Vision 

Behaalotecha concludes with an account of some Israelites complaining about the manna from heaven by longing for meat and fish from Egypt. This displeased God and ushered in a period where God’s anger flared on multiple occasions due to the Israelites’ repeated lack of faith in the face of hardship. Nevertheless, the portion ends hopefully with Moses interceding on their behalf and God promising a new abundance of meat to eat.

In many ways, Behaalotecha represents a microcosm of the Israelite experience – receiving the light of God’s teachings, organizing communal responsibilities, overcoming periodic doubts and challenges, and moving forward in unity towards a collective destiny. The time at Sinai and the receiving of the Torah imbued the fledgling nation with a sacred purpose. Now “on the move,” they carried the Tabernacle as a portable Mount Sinai and its menorah lights to symbolize their special status as God’s people.

But the path from Sinai onwards also laid bare the difficulties of living up to this covenantal vision. There were obstacles external (hostile neighboring nations) and internal (bouts of rebellion and crisis of faith). As they journeyed through the wilderness – geographically and spiritually – the Israelites struggled to adjust to freedom and self-determination after centuries of oppression in Egypt. These were necessary growth pains en route to claiming their homeland.

Wishing you a wonderful and sacred day!

Looking forward to connecting with you in future posts,

Tohar Liani