MESILOT
Pathways to the Soul
Illuminating teachings and insights on the weekly Parsha of Rabbi Yoram Michael Abargel Zt”l
From the weekly lessons of his son Rabbi Yisrael Abargel Shlita
Tzav | The Eternal Flame of the G-dly Spark
The Torah portion of Tzav discusses the eternal flame that must be kept burning on the altar. This flame represents the G-dly spark within every Jew, a spark that must never be extinguished. Just as the fire on the altar was never allowed to go out, so too must we ensure that our inner fire, our passion for Torah and mitzvot, remains ever burning.
The fire on the altar was not just a physical fire; it was a spiritual symbol. It teaches us that no matter what challenges we face, no matter how difficult life becomes, we must never allow our enthusiasm for serving Hashem to wane. The Yetzer Hara (evil inclination) tries to dampen our spirits, to make us feel distant from Hashem, but the eternal flame reminds us that our connection to G-d is unbreakable.
The Importance of Consistency
Consistency is key in maintaining the eternal flame. Just as the Kohanim (priests) were tasked with adding wood to the fire every morning and evening, we too must constantly add fuel to our spiritual fire. This can be achieved through regular Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness. Even when we don't feel inspired, our consistent efforts keep the flame alive.
Reigniting the Flame
Sometimes, we may feel that our flame has grown dim. Perhaps we've become lax in our observance, or we've faced setbacks that have shaken our faith. The Torah teaches us that it's never too late to reignite the flame. By taking small steps—learning a new halacha, saying an extra prayer, or helping someone in need—we can rekindle our passion for serving Hashem.
The Collective Flame
The eternal flame was not just the responsibility of the individual Kohen; it was a communal obligation. Similarly, we are responsible for helping each other keep our spiritual flames burning. By supporting and encouraging one another, we ensure that the light of Torah continues to shine brightly in our communities.
May we all merit to keep the eternal flame of the G-dly spark burning within us, illuminating our lives and the lives of those around us.
