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Leviticus 24:4 - Eternal light before Hashem

Leviticus 24:4 - ויקרא 24:4

Hebrew Text

עַל הַמְּנֹרָה הַטְּהֹרָה יַעֲרֹךְ אֶת־הַנֵּרוֹת לִפְנֵי יְהוָה תָּמִיד׃

English Translation

He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick, before the Lord continually.

Transliteration

Al ham'nora hatora ya'aroch et-hanerot lifnei Adonai tamid.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַ֚ל הַמְּנֹרָ֣ה הַטְּהֹרָ֔ה יַעֲרֹ֖ךְ אֶת־הַנֵּר֑וֹת לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה תָּמִֽיד׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
עַ֚ל הַמְּנֹרָ֣ה הַטְּהֹרָ֔ה יַעֲרֹ֖ךְ אֶת־הַנֵּר֑וֹת לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה תָּמִֽיד׃ {פ}

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Vayikra 24:4) describes the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). The Kohen is commanded to arrange the lamps on the pure Menorah so that they burn continually before Hashem.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that "עַל הַמְּנֹרָה הַטְּהֹרָה" ("upon the pure candlestick") means that the Kohen must ensure the Menorah itself remains pure and clean. He notes that the word "טְּהֹרָה" (pure) teaches that the Kohen must regularly clean the Menorah's lamps and remove any ashes or impurities to maintain its sanctity.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin (3:10-12), the Rambam elaborates on the practical details of this mitzvah. He states that the Kohen must arrange the lamps each evening so that they face the center lamp (the Ner HaMa'aravi), symbolizing the unity of the Jewish people in their service to Hashem.

Symbolism of the Menorah

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Beha'alotcha 5) teaches that the Menorah represents Torah wisdom, as it says in Mishlei (6:23), "For a mitzvah is a lamp, and Torah is light."
  • The Zohar (Terumah 152a) connects the seven branches of the Menorah to the seven days of Creation and the seven spiritual attributes (sefirot) through which Hashem governs the world.

The Eternal Flame

The phrase "לִפְנֵי יְהוָה תָּמִיד" ("before the Lord continually") is interpreted by the Sifra to mean that even if the flame goes out, the mitzvah is still fulfilled as long as the Kohen properly prepared the wicks and oil each day. The Kli Yakar adds that this teaches the importance of consistency in divine service—just as the Menorah's light must be perpetual, so too must our commitment to Torah and mitzvot remain unwavering.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 154:5) derives from this verse the importance of maintaining cleanliness and order in the synagogue's ner tamid (eternal light), as it reflects the sanctity of the original Menorah in the Beit HaMikdash.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 88b
The verse is discussed in the context of the proper arrangement of the lamps on the menorah in the Temple.
📖 Shabbat 22b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the mitzvah of lighting the menorah and its perpetual nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'the pure candlestick' refer to in Leviticus 24:4?
A: The 'pure candlestick' refers to the Menorah in the Holy Temple, which was made of pure gold (Exodus 25:31-40). Rashi explains that 'pure' (טְהֹרָה) emphasizes that it must be kept clean and free from any impurities, as it was a sacred vessel used in the service of Hashem.
Q: Why did the Kohen (priest) need to arrange the lamps continually?
A: The Torah commands that the lamps of the Menorah must burn 'continually' (תָּמִיד) as a constant symbol of Hashem's presence and the light of Torah. The Rambam (Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin 3:10) explains that even if the flames went out briefly, they were rekindled daily to fulfill this mitzvah of continuous light before Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Menorah's light in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7) teaches that the Menorah represents wisdom and the light of Torah. Just as the Kohen tended to the lamps daily, we must also 'kindle' our connection to Torah and mitzvos consistently. The light before Hashem 'continually' reminds us that our spiritual growth requires constant effort and dedication.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today without the Temple?
A: Although we no longer have the Menorah in the Temple, the Talmud (Shabbat 22b) connects this mitzvah to the Chanukah lights, which also symbolize dedication to Hashem. Additionally, the Rambam teaches that lighting Shabbat candles fulfills a similar idea of bringing spiritual light into our homes, continuing the legacy of the Menorah's eternal flame.