Emor
Lev. 21:1 - 24:23
Précis: This parasha is divided into four sections. First, it reviews procedures for the Priests to use to remain ritually pure. Second, it outlines the festival and holiday calendar. Third, it explains the use of the oil and the bread on display on the altar. Finally, there is a brief narrative about a blasphemer who is condemned to death.
Lev. 24:1-2 “And Adonai spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Command the children of Israel to bring to you pure olive oil, beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.’”
The “ner tamid” (usually translated as “eternal light”) is found in virtually every synagogue. At times, it is an actual flame. In other cases, (and most usually) it is an electric light.
Why is it found so universally? First, it is a symbol of the Temple, where a flame was kept burning. Some believe that it may be thought of as a symbol of God's ongoing presence. Others have opined that it symbolizes the continuity of the Jewish People: we are never extinguished.
While the “ner tamind” is thought of as an “eternal light,” we should also note that the daily sacrifice in Temple days was also referred to as “tamid.” Here is a linguistic link which is important: remaining “eternal” requires our daily attention. We can’t take a day off from our need to see to the welfare of our families, communities, or to our People.
