YONATAN HAMBOURGER/TZALI REICHDER: We are all lamplighters

In days gone by, long before electricity, towns and villages throughout Eastern Europe would light up at night by hiring the services of a lamplighter. Every night, the lamplighter would traverse the town, street by street, and manually light each lamp. By performing this simple but essential service, this humble role ensured the town could remain functioning after nightfall.

The Torah teaches us to find the spiritual meaning in the mundane, and Rabbi Sholom Ber Schneerson of Chabad-Lubavitch took immense inspiration from the lamplighter. He said that our job is “to be a lamplighter. The lamplighter walks the streets carrying a flame at the end of a pole. He knows that the flame is not his. And he goes from lamp to lamp to set them alight.”

In classic Jewish thought, God is described as an infinite source of light, whose brightness and intensity our human brains cannot comprehend. But within every person, God places a tiny spark of that Godly flame to be our life source. It is our obligation to fan the flame of the soul within ourselves to deepen our connection and sensitivity to spirituality, and through the analogy of the lamplighter, the Rebbe was saying that we must all harness the Divine Light that lives in each of us and share it with others. We all have a shared responsibility for each other, to lift up one another and grow together.

It’s a lesson we find in last week’s Torah portion, where Aaron the high priest is instructed to go into the Tabernacle and light the seven flames of the iconic, seven-branched candelabra (menorah).

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the most influential rabbi in modern history, explained the verse to mean that Aaron was given the responsibility of bringing Divine light into this physical world. He kindled the menorah, the light of which represents the essence of every one of us. The Torah points out that even a non-priest is technically allowed to light the menorah, which teaches us that everyone has the ability, and therefore the obligation, to light up the soul within our friends.

The act of lighting a lamp may seem small and insignificant, but it has the power to transform darkness into light. This principle applies to our daily lives as well. Small acts of kindness, a smile, a helping hand, or even a word of encouragement can illuminate someone’s day and bring warmth to their hearts. Just like the lamplighter who lit each lamp with care, we too can make a significant impact on the lives of others through our actions, no matter how small they may seem. Every positive action contributes to a brighter and more compassionate world.

In times of darkness and uncertainty, the role of the lamplighter becomes even more critical. It is during these moments that we need to step up and be a source of hope and positivity for those around us. The lamplighter’s unwavering dedication to lighting every lamp, regardless of the circumstances, teaches us the importance of perseverance and resilience. We must strive to be beacons of light in our communities, spreading hope and positivity, and inspiring others to do the same. By doing so, we can collectively overcome challenges and create a brighter future for all.

Some people may think that they are far from living a spiritually infused lifestyle, and therefore don’t have the initial flame with which to inspire and light others. But the verse telling us that even a non-priest can light the menorah is there to specifically remind us that it doesn’t matter how far from priesthood one is, they always have that spark within themselves to share with others. Sure, they would do well to nurture it and grow more in tune with Godliness, but we all have that spark to affect change within others.

The metaphor of the lamplighter transcends time and place, reminding us that each of us holds the power to ignite light in the world. Whether through our actions, words, or simply by being present for one another, we have the ability to dispel darkness and bring about positive change. Let us all embrace the role of the lamplighter, carrying our flames high and illuminating the path for others. In doing so, we not only fulfill a spiritual calling but also build a more compassionate and united world.

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