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What are the most famous and recognizable symbols of the Jewish people? The first answer you will probably think of will be either the Jewish Star or the Menorah. While the Jewish Star does not appear in the Torah, (it is associated with King David and is actually known in Hebrew as "Magen David," or, the Shield of David) the Menorah is described by the Torah in great detail in this week's Torah portion of Parashat Beha'alotchah. It is one of the sacred items which was featured in the ancient Tabernacle and then in our two holy Temples in the city of Jerusalem. This Menorah was always kindled, providing tangible light for the people so that they could see what they were doing while performing their sacred religious tasks of making offerings to God.
But I believe there is more to the Menorah then simply giving us the light by which we need to see. The light of the Menorah is also symbolic of the light of the Jewish people. In particular, we have been given a very scared and challenging mission to fulfill. We, Jewish people, have been told that we must strive to be a "light unto the nations." It is our responsibility to show the way to our friends and neighbors. We must be an example of kindness, righteousness, generosity, and justice for all.
This is certainly not always easy. Especially when we face so much hatred and discrimination, as we do today while a good deal of animosity is directed towards us. But even under these difficult circumstances, we remain obligated to be committed to always doing what is right and fair. No matter what unfounded accusations we face, we must always stay true to our mission. We must act and behave kindly and fairly to all, displaying our "light to the nations," while hoping and praying that some day the rest of the world will follow our example, and we all will be able to bring true and lasting peace to this troubled world.
Shabbat Shalom!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
cantorzkonigsberg@gmail.com
917-696-0749
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