Tetzaveh 5774

“And you shall command the Children of Israel that they shall take for you pure olive oil, crushed for illumination, to light a lamp continually.” (Shemot/Exodus 27:20)

Talmud (Shabbat 21a) states that the Kohen (high priest) lights the Menorah by keeping his hand on each newly lit wick until its flame rises on its own and burns firmly and independently.

Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch notes that the lights of the Menorah symbolize Torah and its wisdom. “Torah is a light.” (Mishlei/Proverbs 6:23) “If you want wisdom, go to the south [where the Menorah is positioned in the Mishkan (Sanctuary).]” (Talmud, Baba Basra 25)

Rav Yissocher Frand on torah.org writes: “Using the Talmudic equation between Torah wisdom and the Menorah, Rav Hirsch explains the symbolism of having the flame arise on its own: The job of every teacher is to make himself superfluous. The job of every teacher is to inspire and to teach the student so that the student should become self-sufficient in his learning.”

As parents, we are our children’s first teachers. Our teaching continues even when our children leave home to attend school. Our goal and that of our children’s teachers is to train the children so well that they become independent and can “rise” on their own.

http://www.torah.org/learning/ravfrand/5770/tetzaveh.html