This d'var Torah is an excerpt from a d'var torah that I gave on June 13, 2009 in memory of my Sabba on his yahrtzeit. His yahrtzeit is this coming Shabbat, so I thought that it would be fitting to post it.
First, I would like you to consider the picture of the menorah from the outside of the knesset building. What images come to mind? What colours do you notice? What do you think the menorah symbolizes?
Green-reminds me of the colour of the olive oil that used to be used for the menorah.
The menorah was mentioned in Zechariya’s vision in the Haftara of this week's parsha: (Chapter 4, verses 2-3)
ב וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלַ֔י מָ֥ה אַתָּ֖ה רֹאֶ֑ה וָיאֹמַ֡ר [וָֽאֹמַ֡ר] רָאִ֣יתִי ׀ וְהִנֵּ֣ה מְנוֹרַת֩ זָהָ֨ב כֻּלָּ֜הּ וְגֻלָּ֣הּ עַל־רֹאשָׁ֗הּ וְשִׁבְעָ֤ה נֵרֹֽתֶ֨יהָ֙ עָלֶ֔יהָ שִׁבְעָ֤ה וְשִׁבְעָה֙ מֽוּצָק֔וֹת לַנֵּר֖וֹת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל־רֹאשָֽׁהּ: ג וּשְׁנַ֥יִם זֵיתִ֖ים עָלֶ֑יהָ אֶחָד֙ מִימִ֣ין הַגֻּלָּ֔ה וְאֶחָ֖ד עַל־שְׂמֹאלָֽהּ:
I think that it is interesting that in this image, Zechariya envisions a “menorat zahav”/a golden Menorah with 2 olive branches (shnaim zeitim) on the right and left side of it. I like this image, the contrast of the green olive trees with the bright golden light of the Menorah.
Many think that the menorah is a symbol of the unity of the Jewish people. So, with that symbol in mind, I would like to go back to the olive trees and light images. The fire reminds me of the Jews who fight the battles, like the Maccabees, or the modern day Israeli soldiers, or even those who fight for Israel advocacy on college campuses. I associate the olive branches with more serene and peaceful images such as those who study or work the land. Both types of leadership are needed in order for the Jewish people to continue.
This haftarah is also read on Shabbat Chanukah. I remember lighting Chanukah candles with my Sabba, Rabbi Israel Silverman. I remember looking in awe at Sabba and Savta’s beautiful Chanukiah while he gingerly and carefully lit each candle. But what I thought was fascinating as a girl, was that that they used oil to light the candles. I think that it was important for them to use the oil because of this classic image of the Menorah from the Beit Hamikdash and from Zechariya’s vision.
Also, Sabba gave a number of sermons about unity and unanimity. He stressed the importance of people have different approaches to life and different opinions, because that is how people learn and grow. But, he also put an emphasis on the importance of unity, and especially Jewish unity. In other words, it is good that we are all different and have different opinions, but that we should remember to maintain Jewish unity and work together to preserve the Jewish community/klal yisrael. These were not just words or ideas to Sabba, he also acted this way and served as a role model to all of us grandchildren. He would always welcome different people from different levels of observances and political views into the house for Shabbat meals. He not only spoke fondly of his JTS professors, but also other rabbis from outside the Conservative movement, including Rabbi Green and Rabbi Baskin.
I think that the lesson of unity is an important one for us to remember today. It is up to us to remember that both are important and necessary in order to make sure that we as Jews can continue to grow.
In order to make sure that we are building more families and growing as a Jewish people, some of my close friends are getting married in the next few days. Mazal Tov to Rachel and Josh and Hilary and Effi. I am excited to celebrate with you!
Here is a cocktail recipe that has a combination of yellow and green:
key lime pie martini
1) take a lime wedge and squeeze lime juice on the rim of the martini glass
2) hold the glass with the rim facing the graham cracker cookie bits and rub the rim onto the cookie bits
3) add:
1 or 2 shots of vanilla-flavoured vodka (or 1 shot of vodka and add 1-2 drops of vanilla extract)
5 drops of lime juice
1 or 2 shots of pineapple juice
4) mix together
5) add the lime wedge to the drink or place on the rim of the glass
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