Aharon HaKohen is commanded to light and raise the flames of the Menorah each day. Rashi who seems to be addressing the choice of words for lighting “to raise the flame” says שתהא שלהבת עולה מאליה meaning it’s not enough to light the wicks alone, one needs to make sure that the fire is able to catch and burn by itself.
The Chassidic interpretation is that the flame represent the soul of person, and the teacher is obligated to make sure that not only is he teaching his students, but he also must make sure that they understand enough to keep the information with them. I would add that perhaps it’s not only for the purpose of the student keeping the information, but also to be able to teach others in the future.
Reb Moshe in his beautiful Sefer al Hatorah quotes this interpretation, and then adds another way of looking at these words of Rashi.
As we know learning Torah and the supporting of Torah go hand in hand. In fact, as the Rama writes in Yoreh Deah, the supporter is like the learner himself, meaning through his financial support, it’s considered that the supporter is actually learning too. (See also Rav Yakov Kamenetzky Al Hatorah in Parshas Vzos Habracha regarding Zevulun and Yisaschar.)
Additionally, Reb Moshe adds another crucial point: he says that making sure the light is burning by itself means follow-up. This is true when we are speaking about teaching, especially when we speak about kiruv, and this is true when we are speaking about financial support for a Yeshiva and the like.
It’s something special when one receives a follow-up call, because it’s somewhat unusual and not always expected.
I have a rule of thumb when it comes to deciding if I should do something or not; it’s usually based on whether I’m motivated and excited to do it or not. As the Vilna Gaon explains in his commentary to Megilas Ruth, if you want to know if something is a good thing or not, see how much the yetzer hara is trying to stop you from doing it.
Next time your mind comes up with a name or an organization to contribute to, see if there is potential for positive follow-up. Check out how much resistance these is, and then take the challenge. You will surprised how much good will come from a small act of follow-up.
May we merit to light and raise the flames of Torah and the neshamos of Klal Yisrael.
by Rabbi Daniel Coren
