Two candles

Pekudei

Ex. 38:21-40:38

Précis: The final parasha of the Book of Exodus begins with an inventory of the items used in the construction of the Mishkan, as well as the vessels and clothing collected by Moses and Aaron. When the accounts are squared, the completed structure is blessed. The Ark is placed within, as are the various holy vessels, and a cloud of glory descends and covers the tent.

Ex. 40:38 “For the cloud of Adonai was upon the Tabernacle by day and the fire on it by night, in view of all of the house of Israel throughout their journeys.”

           

            In a class with my students on the Shabbat Siddur, we recently discussed the reason why we light two candles on erev Shabbat. One student provided the most traditional answer: because the Israelites could not gather manna on Shabbat, they gathered a double portion on Friday. We commemorate their actions (and tie ourselves to them) by using two candles. Another student said it was because the commandment says "Zachor" in one place and "Shamor" in another place in the Torah. A third student however, gave me an insight I had not previously considered: that we use two candles to remind us of the cloud and the pillar of flame mentioned in this verse.

            As I’ve previously mentioned, one of the traditional commentaries on this verse is that every person is like a Sanctuary: there are times of darkness (when we are covered by the cloud) and times of light (when we are illuminated by the fire). When things look dark, we can anticipate light.

            I find this a fitting conclusion to the Book of Exodus: we must always have hope for a better future, particularly when the cloud cover seems thick.