Behalotcha – To Lift Up the Flame
The Torah portion of Behalotcha begins with the command to light the Menorah in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This is a symbol for the role of every human being—to become a source of light. The question is, how can this idea be applied in everyday life?
The practical way to start this fire is by observing the Seven Noahide Laws. Keeping these laws is more than just following a moral code; it ignites the soul and awakens inner love to G-d. To keep the flame burning, one needs to see the world in the right way. This shift comes from studying the Unity of G-d—understanding that "there is nothing else besides Him" and that His presence is everywhere.
Earthly consciousness perceives the world as a separate, independent entity. In this state of mind, the soul might get "lost" in physical worries and daily stress, causing its light to fade. Divine consciousness is a higher way of thinking. It recognizes that the world does not exist on its own. Instead, it is being created and kept alive every single moment by the power of the Creator.
Learning about the Unity of G-d serves as maintenance for the soul. When a person practices seeing Divine presence within nature and everyday events, they realize that the physical world is like a "garment" for the Creator. This realization brings great joy, knowing that the world is not operating alone or without supervision, but is guided with purpose. When our awareness rises, our inner flame, the soul, begins to spiritually shine because it is connected to the Source of Life.
With that being said, although the Creator gives us the strength to shine, He wants us to be the ones to turn that spiritual knowledge into physical reality. The wonderful privilege of a Noahide is to take the truth that "there is nothing else besides Him" and translate it into physical acts of goodness, kindness, and honesty. Changing our mindset from seeing a separate world as a separate entity, to recognizing G-d’s Unity, is the secret to a steady inner flame. When a Noahide combines the Seven Laws with a deep awareness of G-d in every detail, their soul shines with its own light, helping to spread truth and holiness throughout the entire world.
Sources: Torat Menachem 5759 Vol. 3, p. 322.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions: Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.
Serving G-d with Joy: A Guide for Jews and Bnei Noah to Serving the Creator with Joy
There is nothing in this Parsha that has to do with Noahide Law. With the current situation of world-wide antisemitism inflicting the world, do you not think Noahides should be out doing their job teaching social justice (Dinim) instead of sitting around in their houses doing spiritual reflection? According to RambaN, the Noahides were commanded by God "concerning the laws of theft, overcharging, withholding wages, the laws of bailees and of the rapist or the seducer of minors, the varies categories of damages, personal injury, the laws of creditors and debtors, the laws of buying and selling, ett., comparable to the civil laws about which Israel was commanded." (Commentary to Bereishis 34:13). THIS is what Noahiees need to be focusing on, to fix our broken government and legal system with one based on Torah, and not Roman law.