Behalotecha

Parshat Behaalotecha opens with a command to Aharon HaKohen: "Behaalotecha et haneirot"—"When you kindle the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light toward the face of the Menorah." (Bamidbar 8:2)

Rashi explains that the word Behaalotecha, meaning "when you raise up," teaches that Aharon had to light the Menorah in a way that the flames would rise on their own.

This is a powerful message about spiritual growth.

Aharon’s role was not just to ignite the flame but to nurture it until it could stand independently. This is what it means to inspire others—to give them enough light so that they can eventually shine on their own.

But then, the parsha takes a darker turn.

Bnei Yisrael, who have been traveling in the Midbar under Hashem’s protection, begin to complain. They cry out for meat, reminiscing about the "good life" in Egypt, forgetting the suffering they endured there. Moshe, overwhelmed by their complaints, turns to Hashem in desperation: "Why have You placed this burden upon me?" (Bamidbar 11:11)

The contrast between Aharon and Moshe in this parsha is striking.

Aharon is tasked with kindling light. Moshe is facing darkness. Aharon is lifting flames upward. Moshe feels like he is being pulled down.

And this is the reality of every Jew.

There are moments when we feel like Aharon—when we are able to bring light into the world, to inspire others, to lift ourselves higher. And then there are times when we feel like Moshe—overwhelmed, exhausted, unsure if we can keep going.

But Hashem’s response to Moshe is clear: "Gather seventy elders who will assist you." (Bamidbar 11:16)

Because no one is meant to carry the burden alone. Even Moshe Rabbeinu, the greatest leader in history, needed support.

This is a lesson for all of us.

When we feel strong, we must be like Aharon, spreading light and lifting others. But when we feel weak, we must remember that even Moshe needed help—and it’s okay to lean on others.

The parsha ends with another struggle: Miriam and Aharon speak critically about Moshe, and Miriam is struck with tzara’at. Moshe, instead of responding with anger, simply prays: "El na refa na la"—"Please, Hashem, heal her." (Bamidbar 12:13)

At the lowest moment, Moshe responds with compassion.

This is the true test of greatness—not how we act when everything is bright, but how we respond when things grow dark.

The flames of the Menorah teach us that light must be nurtured until it stands on its own. And life’s challenges teach us that even when the light flickers, it is never lost.

The question is: Will we keep the flame burning, even in the moments of darkness?