Category: The Land and the People
The Menorah of Israel
Tags: Benjamin Netanyahu, Divine Presence, history of Israel, holy of holies, Jewish homeland, Knesset, Light to the Nations, menorah, mishkan, Olive Brances, State of Israel, tabernacle
By Keren Golan Pryor
The Bearer of Light
"For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light, we see light." (Tehilim/Psalm 36:9)
According to Moshe, in Exodus 35:30, Adonai "called by name" the craftsman who was to fashion and oversee the artistic workmanship of the furniture and fittings for the Mishkan (Tabernacle). His name was most suitable for this important task. Transliterated from the original Hebrew, it is Betzalel, son of Uri, and means "In the shade of God," son of "my light." The name of his assistant, Oholiab, son of Ahisamach, translates as "My Father is my tent," son of "my brother rejoiced."
It was a momentous occasion in history, as the Almighty One of Israel was preparing to establish a physical dwelling for Himself amongst His People. The very names of those He chose to be its chief craftsmen highlighted the truth that as the tent of the Tabernacle housed His Holy Presence, so He—our Abba, Father—is our tent.
We find our secure dwelling place in Him. In His shade we find our protection and rest. Also, it is only in His shade that we find His light.
In His dwelling place, and dwelling in Him, we find the revelation of His Torah—we see light! As we then walk in His light, we please Him and simultaneously bring blessing and pleasure to one another.
The Menorah, God’s Watchfulness
As with every object in the Mishkan, Moshe directed the craftsmen Betzalel and Oholiab to fashion the menorah according to God’s detailed instructions. Included in the instructions were references to a specific tree that God had chosen to be represented on the menorah. For the decoration of the Holy of Holies, He chose palm trees. A possible reason for this choice is that the upward stretching palm branches beckon to those in the wilderness, indicating that here is an oasis of shade, rest, f...
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Adapted from
Bikurei Tziyon #62
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