Sedra: B’haalotcha
By Rabbi Garry Wayland
Following the recent European elections and meteoric rise of Nigel Farage, the traditional parties have to contend seriously with the question of our relationship with Brussels. Yes, of course, the EU may have benefits, economically, socially, politically, but for many the thought of handing over control to a parliament and bureaucrats we don’t really know outweighs any of the benefits.
The fear of losing our national independence to a central authority can always be terrifying. A new problem? In B’haalotcha, it seems, the Jewish people also have to contend with their relationship with centralist control. Having accepted the Torah with dedication and love – the re-enactment we celebrate on Shavuot – the Parasha records how being too close was too much.
First, the Israelites’ extended encampment at Sinai was overwhelming to them, to the extent that Rashi says, “they fled like a child out of school”. The manna – the bread from heaven that could taste like whatever they wanted – grew tedious. Even Moses – the Man of God, constantly in His Presence – cracked under the strain of the complaints, seemingly losing touch with his people. From the heights of Sinai, the Jews move on to the day-to-day drudgery that marked their sojourn in the desert, and the trials begin with these events.
These challenges were centred around the people struggling to understand what it means to have God’s Word in their midst, offering direction – in both senses of the word – constantly. The answers, however, are at the start of the Parasha, where the opening words, referring to the lighting of the menorah in the sanctuary, translate literally as “when you cause the flames to rise up”.
The message is that it isn’t enough to kindle the wicks and let go – you have to ensure they become a self-sustaining flame, that they are alive and independent. The greatest pleasure parents should have is seeing their child achieving independence; teachers, to see their students learn by themselves.
A leader should see his disciples rise up and become leaders themselves, just as the flame of the menorah rises up under their own strength. We resent central control – be it from a teacher, a government or even God’s Word – when it ends up serving its own purpose.
The Torah is to enable us to achieve self-actualisation, through a Divine Mission connected to the Jewish people and land of Israel; if we understand it is part of our core being, rather than an external constraint, hopefully we will fulfil its mandate of becoming who we should really be.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
