Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that the fire on the altar should never go out?
A: This verse teaches that the fire on the Mizbeach (altar) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beis HaMikdash (Temple) must burn continuously, day and night. According to Rashi, this includes even when the Jewish people are traveling in the wilderness - the fire must be maintained. The Rambam (Hilchos Temidin U'Musafin 2:1) explains this as a positive commandment to keep the fire burning at all times.
Q: Why was it so important to keep the fire burning constantly?
A: The eternal flame represents our constant connection to Hashem. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 7:5) compares it to the eternal Jewish soul. Just as the fire never extinguishes, our spiritual connection to G-d should never cease. The Talmud (Yoma 45b) also teaches that maintaining the fire showed our dedication to the service of Hashem at all times.
Q: How did the Kohanim keep the fire burning all the time?
A: The Mishnah (Yoma 4:6) describes how the Kohanim would add wood to the fire at specific times each day. There was a special arrangement of logs called the 'ma'aracha gedola' (large arrangement) that would burn slowly. The Kohanim also had shifts to watch over the fire at night (Tamid 1:1-2). Even in rainy or windy weather, they took special precautions to keep it burning.
Q: Does this mitzvah apply today without the Temple?
A: While we cannot physically fulfill this mitzvah without the Beis HaMikdash, the spiritual lesson remains. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that we can apply this by maintaining our spiritual 'fire' - our enthusiasm for Torah and mitzvos should never diminish. Many synagogues have a 'ner tamid' (eternal light) above the Aron Kodesh as a remembrance of this mitzvah.
Q: What can we learn from the eternal fire in our personal lives?
A: The Baal Shem Tov taught that just as the physical fire needed constant tending, our spiritual fire needs constant attention through Torah study, prayer and good deeds. The Seforno explains that the fire represents our yetzer tov (good inclination) - we must work to keep it strong. Just as the Kohanim never let the fire extinguish, we must never let our spiritual light dim.
The Eternal Flame on the Altar
The verse (Vayikra 6:6) commands that a fire must burn continuously on the Mizbe'ach (altar) and never be extinguished. This mitzvah underscores the perpetual dedication required in the service of Hashem.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that this flame had a dual purpose:
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Temidin u'Musafin (2:1), the Rambam codifies this halacha, emphasizing that the fire must be maintained even at night and on Shabbat. This highlights the unceasing nature of avodat Hashem (service to G-d), which transcends time and circumstance.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) connects this flame to the "fire of Torah," suggesting that just as the physical fire must never be extinguished, so too must the spiritual fire of Torah study and mitzvot burn perpetually in the hearts of Bnei Yisrael.
Practical Halachic Implications
Contemporary Lesson
Chassidic thought (e.g., the Sfat Emet) teaches that this mitzvah represents the eternal Jewish soul's passion for kedusha (holiness). Just as the altar's fire never ceased, so too must our commitment to Torah and mitzvot remain unwavering in every generation.