RABBI WEIN ON TZAV 5776

The parsha deals initially with the concept of an eternal flame or light that would continually be present on the holy altar in the Mishkan/Tabernacle. This is not the sole instance in the Torah where this concept of an eternal flame, fire or light is discussed. The great golden candelabra in the Mishkan/Tabernacle was also to have one light that was to be deemed an eternal light that was never to be extinguished. Millennia later, our synagogues commemorate this concept of an eternal light in the holy house of prayer with the presence of a ner tamid fixture over the holy ark of the Torah scrolls.