{"id":46527,"date":"2018-07-09T17:41:12","date_gmt":"2018-07-09T14:41:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wall\/wall-125\/"},"modified":"2022-07-28T06:19:15","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T03:19:15","slug":"wall-125","status":"publish","type":"wall","link":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/en\/wall\/wall-125\/","title":{"rendered":"chapter-Torah-Numbers-8"},"parent":0,"template":"","acf":{"type":"chapter","wall_id":"125","date":"20260219","book":"Numbers","chapter":"8","chapter_main_number":"125","books_group":"Torah","posts":[{"order":1,"id":"46780","color":"#f8ebe3","size":"1","name":"Numbers 8 - Judy Hammond ","post_title":"Numbers 8 - Judy Hammond","slug":"numbers-8-judy-hammond","old_id":"46780","type":"no","iframe":"","writer":{"id":34686,"post_title":"Soundcloud","slug":"soundcloud","old_id":"34686","first_name":"","last_name":"","description":"","short_description":"","credit":"","image_url":"","hide_writer":false,"link_for_pay":false,"image":{"id":34656,"alt":"","title":"491","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2.jpg","width":300,"height":300,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2.jpg","medium_large-width":300,"medium_large-height":300,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2.jpg","large-width":300,"large-height":300,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2.jpg","1536x1536-width":300,"1536x1536-height":300,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2.jpg","2048x2048-width":300,"2048x2048-height":300,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2.jpg","post_full_size-width":300,"post_full_size-height":300,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/491-2.jpg","home_baner-width":300,"home_baner-height":300}},"tags":false},"related_cahpter":"125","type_929":"4","show_author_image":true,"old_url":"","post_main_content_description":"","post_main_content_content":"","post_main_content_image":"","post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"The Audio Bible","tile_main_caption":"Numbers 8","tile_main_caption_size":"1","tile_sub_caption":"read by Judy Hammond","tile_preview_embedded":"","tile_preview_image":"","tile_preview_video":"","tile_external_link":"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/929-bible\/numbers-chapter-8-read-by-judy-hammond","tile_tile_gallery_items":"","tile_credits":"","alternate_tile_top_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption_size":"1","alternate_tile_sub_caption":"","alternate_tile_hide_media":"0","tile_group_preview_image_url":"","tile_group_main_caption":"","tile_group_sub_caption":"","tile_group_popup_package_extra_content":"","tile_group_read_time":"","home_color":"","home_gallery_top":"","home_gallery_middle":"","home_gallery_book":"","home_gallery_bottom":"","seo_seo_title":"","seo_seo_description":"","seo_seo_default_title":"","seo_seo_default_description":"","old_create_date":"","links":false,"chapter_info":{"books_group":"Torah","book":"Numbers","chapter":"8","chapter_main_number":"125","date":"20260219","wall_id":"125"},"link_for_pay":false,"tags":false},{"order":2,"id":"106753","color":"#f6edf6","size":"1","name":"Light Duty ","post_title":"Light Duty","slug":"light-duty","old_id":"106753","type":"no","iframe":"","writer":{"id":78133,"post_title":"Josh Blechner","slug":"josh-blechner","old_id":"78133","first_name":"Josh ","last_name":"Blechner ","description":"Josh first finished the Tanach during Yeshiva in Mevaseret Zion. He and his daughter studied the Tanach again for her bat mitzvah. Josh has taught many classes on Tanach throughout the years and currently in the New Rochelle 929 group. When not studying for 929, Josh works as an in-house lawyer in New Jersey.","short_description":"Josh has taught many classes on Tanach throughout the years and currently in the New Rochelle 929 group, and is an in-house attorney in New Jersey. ","credit":"","image_url":"","hide_writer":false,"link_for_pay":false,"image":{"id":78134,"alt":"","title":"josh blechner","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner.jpg","width":276,"height":351,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner-236x300.jpg","medium-width":236,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner.jpg","medium_large-width":276,"medium_large-height":351,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner.jpg","large-width":276,"large-height":351,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner.jpg","1536x1536-width":276,"1536x1536-height":351,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner.jpg","2048x2048-width":276,"2048x2048-height":351,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner.jpg","post_full_size-width":276,"post_full_size-height":351,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/josh-blechner.jpg","home_baner-width":276,"home_baner-height":351}},"tags":false},"related_cahpter":"125","type_929":"2","show_author_image":false,"old_create_date":"","old_url":"","post_main_content_description":"What is the menorah doing here after all?\r\n\r\n","post_main_content_content":"

Speak to Aaron and say to him, \u201cWhen you mount lamps, let the seven lamps give light at the front of the lampstand\u201d (verse 2).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Rashi explains that this commandment appears after the inauguration ceremony because Aaron was upset after the chieftains gave their inaugural sacrifices. The Levites and the priests were not part of the parade of sacrifices, and Aaron felt slighted. The text notes that the menorah service is daily, and therefore better than the inaugural ceremony.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Or HaChayim asks a very good question on this Rashi. Why the lighting of the Menorah? God could have explained that Aaron would get the opportunity to perform daily sacrifices and not just the inaugural sacrifices that the chieftains brought. The Or HaChayim explains that the parts of the menorah needed to be disassembled after it had been lit, in order for the menorah to be properly cleaned, and then reassembled before being lit again. In this way, Aaron was performing a new inauguration\/completion of the Mishkan every day. This is why the menorah is used as the way to calm Aaron. Why is Aaron upset at all? The chieftains give the dedication donations, but the priests are the ones who actually perform the sacrificial rites. Furthermore, the priests have already had their own special inauguration ceremony.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The answer may be something more practical. During the inauguration ceremony, the chieftains brought many sacrifices. This would mean that most of the Mishkan was in use- the two altars, the laver, the various utensils, etc. The one daily thing that is not part of the ceremony is the menorah. (The shewbread was once a week). Perhaps this chapter should have been after the first chieftain brings his gift, but thematically, it made sense to keep them all together. After the list, the Torah then explains the other daily ritual that took place- the lighting of the menorah.<\/span><\/p>","post_main_content_image":{"id":106755,"alt":"","title":"-62e1a83580f26--62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg.jpg","width":1920,"height":1439,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg-300x225.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":225,"medium_large":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg-768x576.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":576,"large":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg-1024x767.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":767,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1151,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg.jpg","2048x2048-width":1920,"2048x2048-height":1439,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg-1200x899.jpg","post_full_size-width":1200,"post_full_size-height":899,"home_baner":"https:\/\/cetwpuploads.blob.core.windows.net\/wp929\/uploads\/2022\/07\/62e1a83580f26-62e1a83580f27num8-menorah.jpg-560x420.jpg","home_baner-width":560,"home_baner-height":420}},"post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"","tile_main_caption":"Light 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","post_title":"The Levites, The Priests, Or?","slug":"the-levites-the-priests-or","old_id":"106758","type":"no","iframe":"","writer":{"id":62571,"post_title":"Yaakov Bieler","slug":"yaakov-bieler","old_id":"62571","first_name":"Yaakov ","last_name":"Bieler ","description":"Rabbi Yaakov Bieler has been involved in Jewish education and the synagogue Rabbinate in New York, NY and Silver Spring, MD since being ordained by Yeshiva University in 1974. He has lectured and written extensively on Modern Orthodoxy, and blogs daily at https:\/\/yaakovbieler.wordpress.com ","short_description":"Rabbi Yaakov Bieler has been involved in Jewish education and the synagogue Rabbinate in New York, NY and Silver Spring, MD since being ordained by Yeshiva University. ","credit":"","image_url":"","hide_writer":false,"link_for_pay":false,"image":{"id":62572,"alt":"","title":"OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler.jpg","width":141,"height":180,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler-141x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":141,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler.jpg","medium-width":141,"medium-height":180,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler.jpg","medium_large-width":141,"medium_large-height":180,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler.jpg","large-width":141,"large-height":180,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler.jpg","1536x1536-width":141,"1536x1536-height":180,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler.jpg","2048x2048-width":141,"2048x2048-height":180,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler.jpg","post_full_size-width":141,"post_full_size-height":180,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/yaakov-bieler.jpg","home_baner-width":141,"home_baner-height":180}},"tags":false},"related_cahpter":"125","type_929":"2","show_author_image":false,"old_create_date":"","old_url":"","post_main_content_description":"Who replace the first-born?\r\n\r\n","post_main_content_content":"

This chapter contains the justification for the replacement of the first-born with the Levites as the care-takers of the Tabernacle. Initially God\u2019s plan had been much more \u201cdemocratic,\u201d with each Jewish family being represented by one of its own, as a result of these individuals having been spared from the tenth Egyptian plague: \u201cConsecrate to Me every male first-born; human \u2026 the first (<\/span>male<\/span><\/i>) issue of every womb among the Israelites is Mine\u201d (Ex. 13:2).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

However, due to missteps re the sin of the Golden Calf (see ex 32:26, where only the Levites opposed the calf), God reached the conclusion that a change was in order. In addition to Aaron\u2019s immediate family that had been earlier designated to serve as God\u2019s priests, the Levites are now elevated to become the priests\u2019 assistants, as a specific replacement for the first-born:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

For they (<\/span>the Levites<\/span><\/i>) are formally assigned to Me from among the Israelites: I have taken them for Myself in place of all the first issue of the womb, of all the male first-born of the Israelites. For every male first-born among the Israelites, human \u2026 is Mine; I consecrated them to Myself at the time that I smote every first-born in the land of Egypt (Num. 8:16-7).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

While the Torah formally declares the transfer of status from the first-born to the Levites in this chapter, the practice of <\/span>pidyon haben<\/em> <\/span>(the redemption of the first-born), has a priest receiving payment in exchange for taking on the responsibilities that originally pertained to the first-born (which continues to this day), implying that specifically the priests, rather than the Levites in general, have taken the first-borns\u2019 place:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Take five shekels per head\u2014take this by the sanctuary weight, twenty gerahs to the shekel, And give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for those who are in excess (3:47-8)<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Perhaps this is justified by the fact that while Levites are given forty-eight entire cities (see 35:7), the priests receive only the \u201cpriestly gifts\u201d (e.g. <\/span>terumah<\/span>, <\/span>bikurim<\/span><\/em>, the thigh and breast portions of sacrifices, etc.) in exchange for their devoted services in the Tabernacle (see Deut. 18:1-5,) and the monies of <\/span>pidyon haben<\/em> <\/span>are therefore included in these random donations.<\/span><\/p>","post_main_content_image":{"id":60139,"alt":"","title":"2sam8-priest","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","width":789,"height":600,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest-300x228.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":228,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest-768x584.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":584,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","large-width":789,"large-height":600,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","1536x1536-width":789,"1536x1536-height":600,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","2048x2048-width":789,"2048x2048-height":600,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","post_full_size-width":789,"post_full_size-height":600,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest-552x420.jpg","home_baner-width":552,"home_baner-height":420}},"post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"","tile_main_caption":"The Levites, The Priests, Or - - -","tile_main_caption_size":"1","tile_sub_caption":"Who replace the first-born?","tile_preview_embedded":"","tile_preview_image":{"id":60139,"alt":"","title":"2sam8-priest","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","width":789,"height":600,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest-300x228.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":228,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest-768x584.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":584,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","large-width":789,"large-height":600,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","1536x1536-width":789,"1536x1536-height":600,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","2048x2048-width":789,"2048x2048-height":600,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest.jpg","post_full_size-width":789,"post_full_size-height":600,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/2sam8-priest-552x420.jpg","home_baner-width":552,"home_baner-height":420}},"tile_preview_video":"","tile_external_link":"","tile_link_for_pay":"0","tile_tile_gallery_items":"","tile_credits":"","alternate_tile_top_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption_size":"1","alternate_tile_sub_caption":"","alternate_tile_hide_media":"0","tile_group_preview_image_url":"","tile_group_main_caption":"","tile_group_sub_caption":"","tile_group_popup_package_extra_content":"","tile_group_read_time":"","home_color":"","home_gallery_top":"","home_gallery_middle":"","home_gallery_book":"","home_gallery_bottom":"","seo_seo_title":"","seo_seo_description":"","seo_seo_default_title":"","seo_seo_default_description":"","links":false,"send_noty":false,"chapter_info":{"books_group":"Torah","book":"Numbers","chapter":"8","chapter_main_number":"125","date":"20260219","wall_id":"125"},"link_for_pay":false,"tags":[{"term_id":"563","name":"First Born","old_id":"963"},{"term_id":"631","name":"Priests","old_id":"1031"},{"term_id":"796","name":"Levites","old_id":"1196"}]},{"order":4,"id":"46797","color":"#e2f4fa","size":"1","name":"Deep Math: The Indivisible One ","post_title":"Deep Math: The Indivisible One","slug":"deep-math-the-indivisible-one","old_id":"46797","type":"no","iframe":"","writer":{"id":42746,"post_title":"Michal Kohane","slug":"michal-kohane","old_id":"42746","first_name":"Michal ","last_name":"Kohane ","description":"Currently based in Israel, Rabbanit Michal Kohane is a graduate of Yeshivat Maharat, a writer, community leader and teacher of Talmud & Torah. 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","credit":"","image_url":"","hide_writer":false,"link_for_pay":false,"image":{"id":42747,"alt":"","title":"michal kohane","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529.jpg","width":214,"height":226,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529.jpg","medium-width":214,"medium-height":226,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529.jpg","medium_large-width":214,"medium_large-height":226,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529.jpg","large-width":214,"large-height":226,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529.jpg","1536x1536-width":214,"1536x1536-height":226,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529.jpg","2048x2048-width":214,"2048x2048-height":226,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529.jpg","post_full_size-width":214,"post_full_size-height":226,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/michal-kohane-e1540448078529.jpg","home_baner-width":214,"home_baner-height":226}},"tags":false},"related_cahpter":"125","type_929":"2","show_author_image":false,"old_create_date":"","old_url":"","post_main_content_description":"Kabbalistic insights into the structure of \u00a0the Menorah and the Torah","post_main_content_content":"

The Menorah was made of 7 branches, 9 flowers, 11 knobs and 22 cups, as described in Exodus 25:31-29. The Kabbalists say that the Menorah is like the whole Torah because it constantly sheds light. They tell us how its construction symbolizes it:<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In the 1st verse of the Book of Genesis, there are 7 words, like the 7 branches;<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In the 1st verse of the Book of Exodus, there are 11 words, like the 11 knobs;<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In the 1st verse in the Book of Leviticus, there are 9 words, like the 9 flowers;<\/span><\/p>\r\n

In the 1st verse of the Book of Deuteronomy, there are 22 words, like the 22 cups;<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Finally, in the 1st verse of the Book of Numbers, there are 17 words, like the 17 tefachim<\/em> of the Menorah\u2019s height (a tefach<\/em> is a Biblical measurement of about one fist wide).<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Last, if we add all these (7+9+11+22), we\u2019ll get 49, same as the numbers of days between Passover and Shavuot, or \u2013 the walk from slavery to freedom, to coming to Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah. Inside both words, Torah and Menorah, hides the word \u201cor\u201d, light. This was the first thing God created which immediately was defined as \u201cgood\u201d. The Menorah is not a \u201cthing\u201d made of many parts, but rather \u2013 many parts of an indivisible One.<\/span><\/p>","post_main_content_image":{"id":46798,"alt":"","title":"num8-kohane","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane.jpg","width":1280,"height":720,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane-300x169.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":169,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane-768x432.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":432,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane-1024x576.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":576,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane.jpg","1536x1536-width":1280,"1536x1536-height":720,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane.jpg","2048x2048-width":1280,"2048x2048-height":720,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane-1200x675.jpg","post_full_size-width":1200,"post_full_size-height":675,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/num8-kohane-747x420.jpg","home_baner-width":747,"home_baner-height":420}},"post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"","tile_main_caption":"Deep 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when vulnerable, do we shine our light for all to see?","post_main_content_content":"

In the beginning of Numbers 8 we learn about preparation and kindling of the golden Menorah for use in the Mishkan\/Tabernacle and later use in the Temple. To this very day, the menorah itself is a symbol of Judaism and of the Jewish people. It is perhaps more widely-recognized than the Star of David or the Chai, both of which are often worn on a necklace signifying the identity of the wearer. Though the Temple was destroyed in the year 70, now the light shines from our communities\u2019 menorahs every year at Chanukah.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

What is it about the physical nature of an object like the Menorah that renders it unforgettable? And what significance does such a symbol mean for the Jewish people?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Menorah is an outward expression of commitment to God, Torah, and mitzvot. It is about the choices we make every day to be ethical members of the community working for the higher good. Lighting a menorah\u2013 like wearing a kippah or a Star of David\u2013 may be done for multiple reasons, but it also shows others who you are and where your spiritual heritage comes from. In the modern era, in our multicultural world, it can open up an amazing conversation. Unfortunately, depending on where you are located, it can also bring about confrontation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

It is now two months post-Pittsburgh in the United States of America. Sometimes I wonder about embracing our Judaism in public here. How much of ourselves can we reveal? I live in a city with people from all over the world, yet even here many tend to live in limited bubbles. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

Do we hide ourselves from the world, privately observing our customs and traditions? Or do we make ourselves vulnerable, and shine our light for all to see?<\/span><\/p>","post_main_content_image":{"id":67347,"alt":"","title":"is42-light","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light.jpg","width":1920,"height":1271,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-300x199.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":199,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-768x508.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":508,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-1024x678.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":678,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1017,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light.jpg","2048x2048-width":1920,"2048x2048-height":1271,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-1200x794.jpg","post_full_size-width":1200,"post_full_size-height":794,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-634x420.jpg","home_baner-width":634,"home_baner-height":420}},"post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"","tile_main_caption":"Outer And Inner Illumination","tile_main_caption_size":"1","tile_sub_caption":"Even when vulnerable, do we shine our light for all to see?","tile_preview_embedded":"","tile_preview_image":{"id":67347,"alt":"","title":"is42-light","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light.jpg","width":1920,"height":1271,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-300x199.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":199,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-768x508.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":508,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-1024x678.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":678,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1017,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light.jpg","2048x2048-width":1920,"2048x2048-height":1271,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-1200x794.jpg","post_full_size-width":1200,"post_full_size-height":794,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/is42-light-634x420.jpg","home_baner-width":634,"home_baner-height":420}},"tile_preview_video":"","tile_external_link":"","tile_tile_gallery_items":"","tile_credits":"","alternate_tile_top_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption_size":"1","alternate_tile_sub_caption":"","alternate_tile_hide_media":"0","tile_group_preview_image_url":"","tile_group_main_caption":"","tile_group_sub_caption":"","tile_group_popup_package_extra_content":"","tile_group_read_time":"","home_color":"","home_gallery_top":"","home_gallery_middle":"","home_gallery_book":"","home_gallery_bottom":"","seo_seo_title":"","seo_seo_description":"","seo_seo_default_title":"","seo_seo_default_description":"","links":false,"tile_link_for_pay":"0","send_noty":false,"chapter_info":{"books_group":"Torah","book":"Numbers","chapter":"8","chapter_main_number":"125","date":"20260219","wall_id":"125"},"link_for_pay":false,"tags":[{"term_id":"629","name":"Light","old_id":"1029"},{"term_id":"672","name":"Menorah","old_id":"1072"}]},{"order":6,"id":"46849","color":"#e2f4fa","size":"2","name":"The Menorah: Then and Now ","post_title":"The Menorah: Then And Now","slug":"the-menorah-then-and-now","old_id":"46849","type":"no","iframe":"","writer":{"id":33877,"post_title":"Marc Bregman","slug":"marc-bregman","old_id":"33877","first_name":"Marc","last_name":"Bregman","description":"Marc Bregman received his Ph.D. from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem in 1991. He taught at the Hebrew Union College (Jerusalem), The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the Schechter Institute for Judaic Studies in Jerusalem, and at the Ben-Gurion University in Beer Sheba, Israel. During 1993 he was Visiting Associate Professor at Yale University, and during 1996 he was the Stroum Professor of Jewish Studies and Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Washington in Seattle. During 2005, Bregman served as the Harry Starr Fellow in Judaica at Harvard University and was awarded a Teaching Fellowship at the Center for Advanced Judaic Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He also has served as Forchheimer Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Humanities at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He is the author of The Tanhuma-Yelammedenu Literature: Studies in the Evolution of the Versions (Gorgias Press, 2003). In 2006, Bregman was appointed the Herman and Zelda Bernard Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, where he also headed the program in Jewish Studies, until 2013. Bregman retired from UNCG as of July 31, 2017. He has now returned to Jerusalem where he is continuing his research and teaching activities.","credit":"","image_url":"","short_description":"Marc Bregman is the Herman and Zelda Bernard Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies emeritus, at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro.","hide_writer":false,"link_for_pay":false,"image":{"id":33878,"alt":"Marc Bregman","title":"Marc Bregman","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman.jpg","width":361,"height":488,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman-222x300.jpg","medium-width":222,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman.jpg","medium_large-width":361,"medium_large-height":488,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman.jpg","large-width":361,"large-height":488,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman.jpg","1536x1536-width":361,"1536x1536-height":488,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman.jpg","2048x2048-width":361,"2048x2048-height":488,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman.jpg","post_full_size-width":361,"post_full_size-height":488,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Marc-Bregman-311x420.jpg","home_baner-width":311,"home_baner-height":420}},"tags":false},"related_cahpter":"125","type_929":"2","show_author_image":false,"old_create_date":"","old_url":"","post_main_content_description":"Eternal symbol with a rich and mysterious history","post_main_content_content":"

In the beginning of our chapter (Numbers 8:3-4), we are told that Aaron kindles the seven lights of the Menorah \u201cso that they faced forward on the Menorah, just as the Lord commanded Moses. This is how the Menorah was made: It was made of hammered gold\u2014from its base to its blossoms. The Menorah was made exactly like the pattern the Lord had shown Moses\u201d (see Exodus 25:31-40). <\/span><\/p>\r\n

This Menorah has a long history, extending from the Desert Mishkan to the two Temples in Jerusalem, then on to Babylon and Rome. According to various legends, the Menorah was eventually taken also to Carthage and Constantinople. According to another tradition, the Menorah of solid gold (weighing approximately 45-60 kilograms), remained in Rome, where it is, to this day, hidden in the catacomb treasuries of the Vatican. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

A highly influential depiction of the Menorah is found on the frieze of the Arch of Titus in Rome, being paraded there with other Temple implements in the Roman victory celebration following their destruction and plunder of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. This depiction of the Menorah served as a model for the official emblem of the State of Israel soon after its founding in 1948. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

A rabbinic tradition, supported by various additional sources, records that during the Talmudic period the golden Menorah was on view in Rome, in the \u201cTemple of Peace\u201d opened in 71 CE under the Emperor Vespasian, together with other spoils of the Roman pillage of Jerusalem: \u201cRabbi Shimon said: When I went to Rome I saw there the Menorah. All of its lights were inclined toward the middle light\u201d (Sifre Zuttah to Numbers 8:2). This eye-witness account reflects a preceding midrashic interpretation of the biblical description that the lights were burning \u201cso that they faced toward the Menorah\u201d (<\/span>el-mul pnai ha-menorah<\/span><\/em>); but here understood to mean that miraculously the three lights on each of the side branches were inclined toward the central light in the middle of the Menorah. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

It turns out that this imaginative depiction of the Menorah, with all its seven lights burning, is not merely a flight of literary imagination. The Menorah is depicted in just this way on some artifacts, most notably in the 4<\/span>th<\/span> century synagogue mosaic at Hammat Tiberius excavated in the 20<\/span>th<\/span> century. <\/span><\/p>\r\n

These literary and architectural depictions of the Menorah preserved in our land and literature, are hopefully the harbingers of the return of the actual Menorah itself to its home in Israel.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Image: by Steerpike - Arch of Titus Menorah.png<\/a>, CC BY 3.0,\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","post_main_content_image":{"id":46852,"alt":"","title":"Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.jpg","width":1024,"height":571,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-300x167.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":167,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-768x428.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":428,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-1024x571.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":571,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.jpg","1536x1536-width":1024,"1536x1536-height":571,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.jpg","2048x2048-width":1024,"2048x2048-height":571,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.jpg","post_full_size-width":1024,"post_full_size-height":571,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-753x420.jpg","home_baner-width":753,"home_baner-height":420}},"post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"","tile_main_caption":"The Menorah: Then And Now","tile_main_caption_size":"1","tile_sub_caption":"Eternal symbol with a rich and mysterious history","tile_preview_embedded":"","tile_preview_image":{"id":46852,"alt":"","title":"Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.jpg","width":1024,"height":571,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-300x167.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":167,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-768x428.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":428,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-1024x571.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":571,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.jpg","1536x1536-width":1024,"1536x1536-height":571,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.jpg","2048x2048-width":1024,"2048x2048-height":571,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah.jpg","post_full_size-width":1024,"post_full_size-height":571,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Num8-Arch_of_Titus_Menorah-753x420.jpg","home_baner-width":753,"home_baner-height":420}},"tile_preview_video":"","tile_external_link":"","tile_tile_gallery_items":"","tile_credits":"","alternate_tile_top_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption_size":"1","alternate_tile_sub_caption":"","alternate_tile_hide_media":"0","tile_group_preview_image_url":"","tile_group_main_caption":"","tile_group_sub_caption":"","tile_group_popup_package_extra_content":"","tile_group_read_time":"","home_color":"","home_gallery_top":"","home_gallery_middle":"","home_gallery_book":"","home_gallery_bottom":"","seo_seo_title":"","seo_seo_description":"","seo_seo_default_title":"","seo_seo_default_description":"","links":false,"tile_link_for_pay":"0","send_noty":false,"chapter_info":{"books_group":"Torah","book":"Numbers","chapter":"8","chapter_main_number":"125","date":"20260219","wall_id":"125"},"link_for_pay":false,"tags":[{"term_id":"363","name":"Midrash","old_id":"763"},{"term_id":"444","name":"History","old_id":"844"},{"term_id":"672","name":"Menorah","old_id":"1072"}]},{"order":7,"id":"46837","color":"#e2f4fa","size":"1","name":"Kindle The Lamp Until The Flame Rises By Itself ","post_title":"Kindle The Lamp Until The Flame Rises By Itself","slug":"kindle-the-lamp-until-the-flame-rises-by-itself","old_id":"46837","type":"no","iframe":"","writer":{"id":45752,"post_title":"Salvador Litvak","slug":"salvador-litvak","old_id":"45752","first_name":"Salvador ","last_name":"Litvak ","description":"Salvador Litvak is an author, filmmaker, and spiritual leader. 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My son Avi and I did a weekly Torah study of his bar mitzvah parsha, Beha\u2019alotecha, for a year before the big event. It was a wonderful journey, one I recommend to all parents. Was 52 hours a lot of time to spend on verses that can be read aloud in ten minutes? No, because the Torah is fractal. Go deep in any one spot, and find whole new worlds of meaning.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The first lines we encountered give the parsha its name: \u201c<\/span>When you light<\/b> the lamps, the seven lamps shall cast their light toward the face of the menorah.\u201d According to the Talmud (Men. 98b), this means the wicks of the oil lamps were arranged so that the outer six were oriented toward the center lamp, which sat not on a \u201cbranch\u201d but rather on the menorah itself.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The center light represents the Holy One, the outer lights represent the people. One might think that the wicks should be arranged outward, thus spreading the light as much as possible and creating more honor for the Lord. The Talmud answers that we actually create the most light for others, when we orient ourselves toward God.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

The Lubavitcher Rebbe took another approach, and based his entire, world-changing movement on it. Beha\u2019alotecha<\/em> literally means \u201cwhen you cause to ascend.\u201d The Talmud specifies, \u201ckindle the lamp until the flame rises by itself\u201d (Shab. 21a). The Rebbe created an army of emissaries around the idea that every Jewish soul is a candle waiting to be lit. When we share Torah, we kindle those flames until they burn with their own precious light.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Avi and I enjoyed these approaches, but we were struck by the fact that it says, \u201cthe seven lamps shall cast their light toward the face of the menorah.\u201d If the \u201cface\u201d means the center, then what is the center light doing? How does it face the center?<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Avi suggested the center light faces itself. If the center light represents God, this means God faces Godself. When we speak of facing ourselves, we usually mean a personal reckoning of our deeds. God doesn\u2019t have to account to anyone, yet God created an opportunity to do exactly that by creating humans with conscience and free will.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Like characters in a dream, our thoughts are God\u2019s thoughts, and our deeds are God\u2019s deeds. Each of us is entrusted to represent our Maker in a series of life choices that will illuminate a unique aspect of God\u2019s character. When God makes that personal reckoning of Godself, and reaches our little corner of the universe, it is our actions that determine whether God\u2019s own mission has been successful.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

May we merit to make the Holy One smile at that moment!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

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\"Speak to Aaron and say to him, 'When you light the candles, the seven candles are to illuminate the area in front of the menorah.\" <\/span>\u00a0(Numbers<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As red
\r\n<\/span>As supernovas bursting, as red-giants exploding, \u00a0
\r\n<\/span>As eleven ruby stars in Joseph\u2019s dreams,
\r\n<\/span>Red is the Torah light; its beams
\r\n<\/span>Penetrate the cavern of chaos called the world
\r\n<\/span>To reveal structure:
\r\n<\/span>Stratified layers of meaning,
\r\n<\/span>Slowly dripping stalactites of insight,
\r\n<\/span>Stalagmites of understanding, ascending.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As blue
\r\n<\/span>As Jerusalem\u2019s summer skies,
\r\n<\/span>As Joseph\u2019s entreating eyes,
\r\n<\/span>Blue is the light of Israel,
\r\n<\/span>Revealing in the depths of cavern-canyons
\r\n<\/span>Underground currents, flowing, converging,
\r\n<\/span>Fed from fathomless sources: Joseph\u2019s fathers, Joseph\u2019s mothers;
\r\n<\/span>Each drop \u2014 a child of Joseph and his brothers.
\r\n<\/span>A river of destiny cascades, turbulent,
\r\n<\/span>Towards a tranquil turquoise sea of redemption, unseen
\r\n<\/span>But not unforeseen.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

As yellow
\r\n<\/span>As Jerusalem\u2019s noontime sun,
\r\n<\/span>As eleven sheaves of wheat bowing to one,
\r\n<\/span>Yellow is the light of the Soul,
\r\n<\/span>Piercing like X-rays the skin of cavern walls
\r\n<\/span>To reveal ribs of God\u2019s concern,
\r\n<\/span>God\u2019s caress, contours of His care
\r\n<\/span>Supporting, uplifting, embracing
\r\n<\/span>The anatomy of the cave.
\r\n<\/span>Oh God, grant us fire.
\r\n<\/span>In the dark chill of the cave, wrap us in warm fabric
\r\n<\/span>Woven from a coat of many colors.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Let my left hand grasp a Torch,
\r\n<\/span>And my right, the prism of Faith, Joseph\u2019s prism,
\r\n<\/span>To transform and unify Red, Blue, Yellow,
\r\n<\/span>Into Menorah light,
\r\n<\/span>Radiant,
\r\n<\/span>Incandescent,
\r\n<\/span>Illuminating,
\r\n<\/span>Blazing,
\r\n<\/span>White.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

image: Baronov E\/shutterstock<\/p>","post_main_content_image":{"id":46823,"alt":"","title":"shutterstock_326034530","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530.jpg","width":3338,"height":3338,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-300x300.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-768x768.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":768,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-1024x1024.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":1024,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1536,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":2048,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-1200x1200.jpg","post_full_size-width":1200,"post_full_size-height":1200,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-420x420.jpg","home_baner-width":420,"home_baner-height":420}},"post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"929 Poetry Corner","tile_main_caption":"The Menorah's Light","tile_main_caption_size":"1","tile_sub_caption":"O, God, grant us fire: Radiant, Incandescent, Illuminating, Blazing, White","tile_preview_embedded":"","tile_preview_image":{"id":46823,"alt":"","title":"shutterstock_326034530","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530.jpg","width":3338,"height":3338,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-300x300.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-768x768.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":768,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-1024x1024.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":1024,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":1536,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":2048,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-1200x1200.jpg","post_full_size-width":1200,"post_full_size-height":1200,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/shutterstock_326034530-420x420.jpg","home_baner-width":420,"home_baner-height":420}},"tile_preview_video":"","tile_external_link":"","tile_tile_gallery_items":"","tile_credits":"","alternate_tile_top_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption_size":"1","alternate_tile_sub_caption":"","alternate_tile_hide_media":"0","tile_group_preview_image_url":"","tile_group_main_caption":"","tile_group_sub_caption":"","tile_group_popup_package_extra_content":"","tile_group_read_time":"","home_color":"","home_gallery_top":"","home_gallery_middle":"","home_gallery_book":"","home_gallery_bottom":"","seo_seo_title":"","seo_seo_description":"","seo_seo_default_title":"","seo_seo_default_description":"","links":false,"tile_link_for_pay":"0","send_noty":false,"chapter_info":{"books_group":"Torah","book":"Numbers","chapter":"8","chapter_main_number":"125","date":"20260219","wall_id":"125"},"link_for_pay":false,"tags":[{"term_id":"362","name":"Poetry","old_id":"762"},{"term_id":"672","name":"Menorah","old_id":"1072"}]},{"order":10,"id":"46774","color":"#e2f4fa","size":"1","name":"A Lesson on the Daily Chapter- Numbers 8 ","post_title":"A Lesson on the Daily Chapter- Numbers 8","slug":"a-lesson-on-the-daily-chapter-numbers-8","old_id":"46774","type":"no","iframe":"","writer":{"id":40936,"post_title":"David Silber","slug":"david-silber-2","old_id":"40936","first_name":"David ","last_name":"Silber ","description":"Rabbi David Silber is the Founder and Dean of Drisha Institute for Jewish Education. 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\u201cBrazen & Bold for Hashem\u201d<\/span><\/a> by Danny Gold: What does the menorah represent? <\/span><\/p>\r\n

\u201cMaking Ourselves Into A Mikdash\u201d<\/span><\/a> by Josh Pernick: Exploring how we can become vessels for the holy.<\/span><\/p>","post_main_content_image":"","post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"Go deeper into the chapter....","tile_main_caption":"Sefaria Source Sheets - Numbers 8","tile_main_caption_size":"1","tile_sub_caption":"Click to get links to learning resources","tile_preview_embedded":"","tile_preview_image":{"id":42232,"alt":"","title":"sefaria-words-sunburst","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/png","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst.png","width":608,"height":395,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst-150x150.png","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst-300x195.png","medium-width":300,"medium-height":195,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst.png","medium_large-width":608,"medium_large-height":395,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst.png","large-width":608,"large-height":395,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst.png","1536x1536-width":608,"1536x1536-height":395,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst.png","2048x2048-width":608,"2048x2048-height":395,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst.png","post_full_size-width":608,"post_full_size-height":395,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sefaria-words-sunburst.png","home_baner-width":608,"home_baner-height":395}},"tile_preview_video":"","tile_external_link":"","tile_tile_gallery_items":"","tile_credits":"Sefaria word sunburst visualization","alternate_tile_top_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption_size":"1","alternate_tile_sub_caption":"","alternate_tile_hide_media":"0","tile_group_preview_image_url":"","tile_group_main_caption":"","tile_group_sub_caption":"","tile_group_popup_package_extra_content":"","tile_group_read_time":"","home_color":"","home_gallery_top":"","home_gallery_middle":"","home_gallery_book":"","home_gallery_bottom":"","seo_seo_title":"","seo_seo_description":"","seo_seo_default_title":"","seo_seo_default_description":"","old_create_date":"","links":false,"chapter_info":{"books_group":"Torah","book":"Numbers","chapter":"8","chapter_main_number":"125","date":"20260219","wall_id":"125"},"link_for_pay":false,"tags":false},{"order":12,"id":"106747","color":"#e2f4fa","size":"1","name":"Points To Ponder: Numbers 8 ","post_title":"Points To Ponder: Numbers 8","slug":"points-to-ponder-numbers-8","old_id":"106747","type":"no","iframe":"","writer":false,"related_cahpter":"125","type_929":"2","show_author_image":false,"old_url":"","post_main_content_description":"","post_main_content_content":"

    \r\n\t
  1. The menorah<\/em> - what\u2019s it doing here? The first four verses are a sort of enclave, that has challenged interpreters. See the famous midrash that connects the menorah to the sacrifices of the chieftains.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  2. Between symbolism and reality<\/em>. How do all Israel lay their hands on the heads of the Levites (verse 10)? And how does Aaron \u201celevate\u201d (<\/span>henif<\/span><\/em>) all the Levites (verses 11, 21)?<\/span><\/li>\r\n\t
  3. Is 25 the new 30?<\/em> At what age are the Levites conscripted - 25 or 30? According to verse 24, it\u2019s 25. But according to chapter 4 - it\u2019s 30. There are a number of answers in the commentaries. <\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","post_main_content_image":{"id":86314,"alt":"","title":"Points to ponder","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","width":1000,"height":1000,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder-300x300.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder-768x768.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":768,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","large-width":1000,"large-height":1000,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","1536x1536-width":1000,"1536x1536-height":1000,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","2048x2048-width":1000,"2048x2048-height":1000,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","post_full_size-width":1000,"post_full_size-height":1000,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder-420x420.jpg","home_baner-width":420,"home_baner-height":420}},"post_main_content_embedded_video":"","post_main_content_video_duration":"","post_main_content_show_fb_comments":"1","post_main_content_credit_media":"","tile_top_caption":"The Daily Summary","tile_main_caption":"Points to Ponder: Numbers 8","tile_main_caption_size":"1","tile_sub_caption":"Insights and questions for personal reflection and group discussion","tile_preview_embedded":"","tile_preview_image":{"id":86314,"alt":"","title":"Points to ponder","caption":"","description":"","mime_type":"image\/jpeg","url":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","width":1000,"height":1000,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder-300x300.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder-768x768.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":768,"large":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","large-width":1000,"large-height":1000,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","1536x1536-width":1000,"1536x1536-height":1000,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","2048x2048-width":1000,"2048x2048-height":1000,"post_full_size":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder.jpg","post_full_size-width":1000,"post_full_size-height":1000,"home_baner":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Points-to-ponder-420x420.jpg","home_baner-width":420,"home_baner-height":420}},"tile_preview_video":"","tile_external_link":"","tile_tile_gallery_items":"","tile_credits":"","alternate_tile_top_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption":"","alternate_tile_main_caption_size":"1","alternate_tile_sub_caption":"","alternate_tile_hide_media":"0","tile_group_preview_image_url":"","tile_group_main_caption":"","tile_group_sub_caption":"","tile_group_popup_package_extra_content":"","tile_group_read_time":"","home_color":"","home_gallery_top":"","home_gallery_middle":"","home_gallery_book":"","home_gallery_bottom":"","seo_seo_title":"","seo_seo_description":"","seo_seo_default_title":"","seo_seo_default_description":"","old_create_date":"","tile_link_for_pay":"0","links":false,"send_noty":false,"chapter_info":{"books_group":"Torah","book":"Numbers","chapter":"8","chapter_main_number":"125","date":"20260219","wall_id":"125"},"link_for_pay":false,"tags":false}],"hide_acf":true,"home_image":false,"home_posts":false,"home_posts_title":"","posts_home":[],"static_cube_title":"","static_cube_brief":"","static_cube_color":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wall\/46527"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/wall"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/wall"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.929.org.il\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}