Aharon is told of the candles he will light,
but the placement of this statement feels awkward, not right.
Why is this juxtaposed after what comes before?
How is this a continuation, adding more?
Previously, the Nesiim each brought offerings to God,
for the Mishkan’s first day, a gift and a nod.
Rashi says encouragement is being offered here:
Aharon grew upset as he watched the other tribes draw near.
“What’s wrong with me, what’s wrong with my sons?
Why didn’t they bring presents, like the other ones?”
God offered cheer, said, “There’s something better they’ll do,
this holy lighting is special for you.”
Ramban asks, “Was lighting the menorah really so great?
Aharon’s sons had an even better fate.”
Only they went into the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur day,
which means God’s mentioning the Menorah shows something else at play.
In the years after The Temple was used for the first time,
the enthusiasm the Jewish people had for it declined.
At the time of Chanukah many Jews had turned astray,
excitement for the Mishkan was no longer the “in” way.
The Kohanim still loved the Menorah when few others cared,
they were consistent through weather, foul or fair.
When the others’ enthusiasm had waned,
the Kohanim’s commitment only gained.
“Your children will be strong in a later day,
long after everyone else is worn and frayed.”
May we be blessed to stay excited, keep moving on,
continue showing up after the initial thrill is gone.
May we be blessed to rekindle our Menorah, our soul,
even when it seems so broken it can’t be made whole.
May we relight the passion for God in our heart,
and feel as though now is just the start!
Rabbi Neil Fleischmann, an ordained rabbi from RIETS, has taught Torah for over 30 years, primarily at The Frisch School, where he coached the award-winning poetry team. As an integral part of the Yeshiva Poetry Society, Fleischmann is a passionate advocate for the arts within the Torah world. He was named New York’s funniest rabbi and has performed stand up comedy, as well as presenting as scholar in residence, across the city and country. His literary work includes the haiku collection, “In The Field,” and he has contributed close to 20 poems to the “Stories of Our Lives” anthologies, parts 1 and 2. Currently, Fleischmann is working on a book of parsha poems that combines meaningful content with whimsical formatting. You can reach him at nfleischmann1@gmail.com.
