In this week’s parasha, Moses and Aaron are instructed regarding the ner tamid or eternal light. The Italian commentator Umberto Cassuto writes, “The word tamid is intrinsically capable of two interpretations: it can mean ‘continuously, without interruption,’ that is the lamps would never be extinguished either by day or by night; or it can signify ‘regularly,’ – that is, the lamps would burn every night; on no night would its light be wanting…” In other words, “always” doesn’t necessarily mean “all the time”!
For us, beyond understanding the original intent of the eternal light burning in the tabernacle, we can consider the difference between attending regularly to something that has symbolic meaning and making sure that there is no break at all in the status of that symbol. While at first, the latter might seem more powerful, the need to rekindle the light each night might create a more impactful raising of our awareness.
Is there a custom that raises your awareness in a way that is important or helpful for you? Would it be more or less powerful if you do it more regularly? What would it be like to be responsible for a light always burning?
Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10) Torah Reading on Feb. 28, 2026: What Does Always Mean?
February 26, 2026 by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller • D'var Torah
In this week’s parasha, Moses and Aaron are instructed regarding the ner tamid or eternal light. The Italian commentator Umberto Cassuto writes, “The word tamid is intrinsically capable of two interpretations: it can mean ‘continuously, without interruption,’ that is the lamps would never be extinguished either by day or by night; or it can signify ‘regularly,’ – that is, the lamps would burn every night; on no night would its light be wanting…” In other words, “always” doesn’t necessarily mean “all the time”!
For us, beyond understanding the original intent of the eternal light burning in the tabernacle, we can consider the difference between attending regularly to something that has symbolic meaning and making sure that there is no break at all in the status of that symbol. While at first, the latter might seem more powerful, the need to rekindle the light each night might create a more impactful raising of our awareness.
Is there a custom that raises your awareness in a way that is important or helpful for you? Would it be more or less powerful if you do it more regularly? What would it be like to be responsible for a light always burning?