There’s no point in lighting a candle if it doesn’t stay lit. Likewise, there is no point meeting people if you don’t raise their spirits and inspire their self-belief. The Parsha’s name, Beha’alotcha (lifting up), implies that we are all life-coaches with abilities to ensure the other’s success.
The name of this week’s Parsha, Beha’alotcha, means to light a candle – specifically Aharon lighting the candles of the candelabrum of the Mishkan. But whereas the normal verb ‘to light’ is Lehadlick, the use of the verb within Beha’alotcha, which means to elevate, conveys a deeper sense of elevation – to elevate the dormant…
Miriam is extolled and lauded for her singular role in helping preserve the integrity of the Jewish people during the slavery in Egypt and then the 40-year journey in the wilderness to Israel. In fact, the precious and miraculous drinking water of the desert, Miriam’s Well, is a testimony to her greatness.
When inspiring or motivating others, it is insufficient to ‘turn the switch on’ and then ask the student to fend for him/herself. We must ensure that the lit flame burns on, and not flicker out soon after being ignited. This is the meaning of the use of the verb ‘to raise a flame’ used in…
We are born into the very setting and among the specific people whose soul-sparks we have the power to ignite. By doing so, each one of us raises society to a higher level.
