Does God Really Need Us?
Parshat Tezaveh introduces one of the most mysterious commandments in the Torah: the requirement to keep the Menorah’s light burning constantly in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). At first glance, this seems puzzling. God, the Creator of the universe, who spoke light into existence and sustains all of reality, surely doesn’t need a physical lamp to provide illumination. So why issue this commandment?
The answer lies in a profound spiritual principle: God doesn’t need us—He chooses to need us.
This theme runs deep throughout the Torah. Again and again, we are given responsibilities that, logically speaking, God could handle Himself. Whether it’s bringing offerings in the Beit HaMikdash, praying, or performing mitzvot, none of these actions add anything to God. Instead, they elevate us and give us the opportunity to take an active role in divine partnership.
The Menorah’s flames symbolize more than just physical light; they represent the spiritual consciousness we bring into the world. And just as the Kohanim were given the sacred task of tending the Menorah, each of us has been entrusted with a divine mission—to be a source of light in the darkness.
The Power of Being Needed
One of the deepest human desires is not just to be loved, but to be needed. Love is beautiful, but when someone truly needs us, it gives us a sense of purpose and meaning that is irreplaceable. The greatest relationships aren’t built on transactional exchanges, where each person only gives to receive. Rather, they are built on mutual investment, where both sides contribute something unique and indispensable.
This is the foundation of our relationship with God. He didn’t create us because He was lonely or lacking something. He created us because love is about giving, and true giving means granting others the ability to matter.
Imagine a parent teaching their child to walk. The parent could easily carry the child everywhere, preventing any falls or struggles. But instead, they step back, allowing the child to take those shaky first steps, even though it means falling and getting hurt. Why? Because real love is about empowering the other, not making them dependent.
In the same way, God could run the world without us—but He doesn’t. Instead, He gives us Torah, mitzvot, and free will, all so that we can participate in creation. He chooses to make us essential, because in doing so, He gives us the greatest gift of all: the power to make a difference.
Keeping Your Flame Alive
The commandment to keep the Menorah’s light burning isn’t just about an ancient practice in the Mishkan. It’s a timeless call to action, a reminder that our lives are meant to illuminate the world around us. But how do we ensure that our spiritual flame doesn’t go out?
- Light up your surroundings. Just as the Menorah illuminated the Mishkan, our mission is to bring light into the lives of those around us. Whether through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply being a source of hope, our presence should make the world brighter.
- Recognize the significance of your role. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our individual actions don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. But Parshat Tezaveh teaches us that every flame, no matter how small, has a unique purpose. Your personal light—your strengths, your wisdom, your kindness—is irreplaceable.
- Stay connected to your source. The Menorah’s light didn’t just come from anywhere; it was fueled by the purest olive oil. In the same way, we need to be fueled by learning, prayer, and connection to God. When we nurture our spiritual core, our light becomes stronger and more enduring.
- Understand that struggle is part of the process. Just as a flame flickers and struggles before it grows strong, our spiritual growth often comes with challenges. Feeling disconnected or uninspired doesn’t mean we’re failing—it means we’re refining our light.
Parshat Tezaveh reminds us that God’s greatest gift to humanity is the opportunity to be partners in creation. He didn’t create us to be passive observers—He made us to illuminate the world. The Menorah’s light wasn’t just for the Mishkan; it was a model for how we should live our lives.
