Parshas Tetzaveh

In this week's parsha, we learn about the special oil that was used to light the Menorah in the Mishkan. In describing the actual lighting of the Menorah, the pasuk uses the words "l'halos ner tamid" - which, literally translated, would mean "to raise an eternal fire" (using "raise" as opposed to "ignite"). Why does the pasuk use such a seemingly strange lashon?

Rashi explains that the Torah is informing us of the proper procedure for lighting the menorah: it is not enough to merely "light" the wick by simply touching a flame to it and then immediately moving on to the next one, without taking care to ensure that the wick ignites properly; rather, careful attention must be paid to ensure that the flame is burning on its own before moving on to the next wick. This is derived from the usage of the word "l'halos": to "raise" the fire to a point where it burns independently.

This principle applies not only to the lighting of the Menorah, but to anytime one wishes to ignite a fellow Jew's neshama with the fire of Torah as well. When teaching and inspiring another person, we cannot merely tell him what he needs to know, and then leave him to fend for himself. Rather we must stay with him and guide him along the proper path, being mechazeik him every step of the way. And when we ignite the flame of Torah in that manner, we can be sure that it will never be extinguished.