GOD'S ETERNAL LIGHT

Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the LORD from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come." — Exodus 27:20-21

Throughout the world, the eternal light, or flame, is universally recognized as a symbol to honor and remember a person or a group of brave and noble people connected to some event. We're probably most familiar with the eternal flames that can be found at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or at President John F. Kennedy's gravesite. In Israel, an eternal flame at Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to Jewish Holocaust victims, honors those who perished during that horrific time.

The symbol of light is part of the language of our faiths as well. In Psalm 18:28, the psalm writer rejoices in God's light in his life: "You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." God's light is seen as our guide: "Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me" (Psalm 43:3).

Since biblical times, an eternal flame was lit before the altar, first in the Tabernacle and then in the Temple, as a sign of God's eternal presence with His people. Today, you will find in any synagogue worldwide the sanctuary lamp, or ner tamid, hanging or standing in front of the ark, representing the continuously burning light of the Temple menorah. Even if the ner tamid is just a light bulb, these lights are never allowed to dim or go out. In the event of a power outage, often alternate emergency sources are used to prevent them from going out. As God commanded, "This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come" (Exodus 27:21).

This tradition is carried on in the Christian church as well. In the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions, the sanctuary lamp signifies that the Blessed Sacrament is reserved. In the Lutheran churches, the light represents God's presence.

Whatever your faith tradition, the eternal light is a wonderful reminder not only of God's presence with us always, but also of our call as people of faith to be God's light in the world. We are called to bring His love and His grace to those around us through our acts of kindness, compassion, and charity. As we do so, we share God's presence with those around us.

How are you sharing God's light in your corner of the world?

With prayers for shalom, peace,


Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein