Torah Portion: Tetzaveh
Aaron and his sons shall arrange [the Lamp] (Shemos 27:20).
It is a positive commandment set the lamps continually before Hashem, as it is written, Aaron and his sons shall arrange [the Lamp] (Shemos 27:20). That is, he shall arrange the Menorah [in the Sanctuary].
Among the roots of the mitzvah is the aim that Hashem commanded us that there be light kindled in the Holy Temple in order to glorify the House by bringing honor and splendor in the eyes of observers. For such is the way of people, to grace their homes with lit lamps. The ultimate purpose of this honor is so that when a person sees it, his heart will fill with awe and humility.
The commandment includes these laws: [1.] The kindling of the Lamp supersedes Shabbos. [2.] The individual lamps are filled each day with a half lug of oil, as it is written, from evening to morning (ibid.). The Sages estimated that a half lug of oil is enough oil to last for even the long nights of the month of Teves, and this is the quantity that is used every night of the year, and if it is more than needed, so be it. [3.] An element of arranging the lamps is dishun-cleaning , which is that when a lamp burns out, the [kohen] removes the wick with whatever residue oil was left. He then wipes it and inserts a new wick and fresh oil. If the lamp is still burning, the kohen merely adjusts it. Cleaning the Menorah and setting it is a positive commandment in the morning and afternoon [of each day]. [4.] The central lamp, if it should go out, is re-lit using the fire on the outer Altar. The remaining lamps are then kindled from each other by extending the wick to an another lamp and leaves it there until the flame catches. It is done this way because it is not an honor for the mitzvah to light it from another mundane (i.e. non-mitzvah) flame.
This commandment applies when the Holy Temple stands, to kohanim.
