Timeless Torah

CANDLE POWER (14:36) Try to imagine living in G-d’s presence. A world where bread rains down from your heavens, water flows from a traveling rock, your local Sanctuary produces miracles on a daily basis, and Divine punishment and reward are something are something you witness rather than just believe in. This fantasy state, in fact, did once exist. It occurred during the infancy of the Jewish people while they were still living in the desert.

This week’s Torah portion even tells us of a leprous-like malady that afflicted a person with specific spiritual failings. The ritual impurity resulting from this Tzaraas affected not only the individual but also the dwelling in which he found himself.

If such a person entered another’s home without permission, the domicile would not immediately be contaminated. Instead, a period of grace which extended, “As long as it takes to light a Shabbat candle,” during which one could have his friend leave and not be considered contaminated.

Candle-lighting before Shabbat differs from other forms of illuminations. The Shabbat candles bring, “Peace and tranquility to the home.” In a spiritual sense, their sanctity prevents the spreading of the Tzara’as impurity.

Other forms of light, however, do not guarantee such harmony. In fact, the very opposite may be the result. Sometimes subjecting an individual to the merciless glare of objective illumination brings to light uncomplimentary facts or reveals unflattering glimpses into the murkier side of one’s personality.

There is a simple lesson here, one that I have personally observed many times. Truly harmonious relationships are built when those involved view each other and are viewed in the light of Torah. I have seen other yardsticks used where people were measured under the scrutinous beams of financial capabilities or attractive looks. While these may flash brilliant for a while, their sparkle eventually loses its luster.

Shabbat candles are not only an ancient remedy for a spiritual disease, their potent flames can still illuminate the dark shadows that threaten to engulf the embattled Jewish home of the nineties.

The radiance of the candles will illuminate your Shabbat dinner, the rest of the week, and without question, impact the spiritual sensitivities of those doing the lighting. Therefore, even unmarried girls from the age of three and on should light the candles and benefit from this guiding light that has nurtured our people during the long night of exile.