This week’s Torah portion, Tzav, begins with an impossible proposition – a flame that no matter the situation is never allowed to go out. The Eternal Flame or Ner Tamid the Torah speaks about must be robust enough to withstand wind and rain, war and rebellion, the vagaries of a constantly changing world. From the beginning, our ancestors must have known keeping it going eternally was an impossibility (mind you this is without the assistance of matches or electricity).
So why propose it in the first place? Like trying to keep our sidewalks clear in a blizzard or clearing leaves off our yard, the Ner Tamid is something to aspire toward, not to necessarily achieve. If we do not get too discouraged when the flame blows out, it is worthwhile to strive for the stars. And, when the flame does blow out, we simply need to light it and begin again.
At Congregation Shir Shalom we have two Ner Tamid, representing our two legacy communities – Temple Beth Am and Temple Sinai. One is in our sanctuary and the other in the open area in the middle of the community. Each serves as a reminder of our obligation to keep alive the flames of all those who came before us, honoring their legacy by carrying out the traditions that have been passed down to us to the best of our abilities.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex