Timeless Torah

The opening verses of this week's Torah portion, Beha-alotcha, obligate Aaron the High Priest in the daily lighting of the Temple Menorah. Paraphrasing the words of King Solomon, "The soul of man is the candle of G-d", Chassidic philosophy compares man's soul to a flame. Just as a flame flickers and rises constantly upwards - regardless of which way the candle is held - so too man's soul is forever seeking elevation.

Aaron, as High Priest, did not only light the Menorah. His job was to kindle the souls of all Jews. While each and every Jew has that G-dly flame, it is often deeply buried and concealed. Aaron's task was to uncover and reveal this "holy spark".

Rabbi Sholom Ber, the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, was once asked, "What is a Chassid?" He replied, "A Chassid is a street-lamp lighter."

Years ago, there was a person whose job was to light the street-lamps. The lamps on the street corners were there in readiness, waiting to be lit. However, some lamps were not easily accessible, like those found in the desert or at sea. There must be someone to kindle even those lamps, so that they might fulfill their purpose and light up the paths of others.

A Chassid is one who puts his personal affairs aside and sets out to illuminate the souls of Jews with the light of Torah and mitzvot. Jewish souls are ready and waiting to be kindled. Some are close, others in far off forsaken places. There must be someone who will forgo his or her own comforts and conveniences, and reach out to ignite those souls. This is the function of a true Chassid.

The present Lubavitcher Rebbe recently added that this task is not limited to Chassidim, but is the raison-d'etre of every Jew.