How do we find what is holy among us?
What in your life is holy and awe-inspiring? For some, it might feel impossible to name holy objects or moments. Nothing seems to rise to the level of holy. For others, everything might seem holy. Certainly, a panoramic view, the birth of a child, and a sanctuary feel holy. But even a passing interaction, a dog walking by, and the right piece of food are holy.
Our weekly portion B’haalot’cha begins with God instructing Moses to raise up a menorah, a lamp at the front of the holy sanctuary, the Tent of Meeting. A few chapters later, we learn that as the Israelites wandered the desert, God’s presence took the form of a cloud during the day and fire at night.
We use fire to welcome in our holy times through the lighting of candles. It is true that a flame is just a flame. But as those who see holiness everywhere know, it is also true that within every menorah and within each flame, there is the holy presence of God. The difference is in being open to the holiness in our midst.