Parshah Beha'alotcha

Kindling until the flame rises

The kohen lights the menorah 'until the flame rises on its own.' Real teaching stays with the student until the light is independent.

Rashi reads beha'alotcha, 'when you cause to ascend', as an instruction about how to light: hold the fire to the wick until the flame rises by itself.

This is a beautiful picture of every real relationship of formation: parent to child, teacher to student, mentor to mentee. You stay until the other's light is its own.

This week, ask whether you are still holding a flame that has long since become independent, or whether there is one you left too soon.

Make it personal

Your Hebrew birthday opens a personal doorway into this parshah.

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