The Eternal Light in the Tabernacle reminds us that we have to do our duty no matter what. Even if it is a dirty job it still has to get done.
A Quick Devar Torah — The Ner Tamid and the Responsibility of Leadership
(Parashat Tetzaveh)
One of the very first items the Torah discusses in the Mishkan is the Ner Tamid — the eternal flame. It must burn constantly. Day and night. No interruptions.
And who is responsible for maintaining it?
Not a helper.
Not a junior kohen.
Not an assistant.
The Kohen Gadol himself.
1. Leadership Begins With the “Small Jobs”
Imagine the High Priest’s morning:
He wakes up — and the first task is not a grand ceremony.
He does not begin with blessings for the nation.
He does not start with majestic service.
He cleans yesterday’s ashes.
A dirty job.
The Torah is teaching a foundational principle of leadership:
A real leader does not only take responsibility for glory — he takes responsibility for maintenance.
Many people want leadership because leadership brings honor.
But Torah leadership begins with accountability.
If something worked — it’s your responsibility.
If something failed — it’s also your responsibility.
The Ner Tamid burns because the leader maintains it.
2. Why Must the Flame Never Go Out?
The eternal flame represents consistency.
Judaism does not run on inspiration.
It runs on commitment.
You daven when inspired — that’s easy.
You daven when tired — that’s Judaism.
You go to work when motivated — normal.
You go when you don’t feel like it — avodah.
The message of the Ner Tamid:
Your duty does not depend on your mood.
Feelings are temporary.
Obligation is permanent.
3. The Kotzker Insight — The Yetzer Hara Test
There’s a famous story about the Kotzker Rebbe.
On a freezing morning he debated whether to go to shul.
Then he noticed the yetzer hara whispering:
“Stay home.”
That decided it.
If resistance appears specifically when doing the right thing —
that itself proves what your job is.
The Ner Tamid teaches:
You don’t ask “Do I feel like it?”
You ask “Is it my responsibility?”
4. Judaism: Action Before Motivation
We live in a world that says:
“Follow your heart.”
The Torah says:
Train your heart by your actions.
You can do the right thing for imperfect reasons —
but you cannot do the wrong thing for noble reasons.
Give charity for a tax deduction — still a mitzvah.
Steal to help someone — still a sin.
Because Judaism measures deeds, not emotional narratives.
5. The Eternal Flame in Everyday Life
The Ner Tamid isn’t just in the Temple — it’s in life.
- Showing up to minyan
- Going to work responsibly
- Supporting family
- Doing unpleasant tasks
- Keeping commitments
Sometimes the job is honorable.
Sometimes — like cleaning a flooded cowshed — it is very not honorable.
But if it must be done:
Holiness begins where excuses end.
Final Thought
The Ner Tamid burns constantly to remind us:
Not every day will be uplifting.
Not every mitzvah will be inspiring.
Not every responsibility will be pleasant.
But Judaism is not the religion of inspiration.
It is the religion of reliability.
Be the person who keeps the flame lit — even when nobody sees.
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