It might be coincidental, or perhaps it was designed on purpose by the ancient Rabbis. Regardless, this Shabbat we will read about the creation and kindling of the Menorah, the seven branched candelabra made of pure gold that brought light into the Mishkan (portable sanctuary) and later, the Temple in Jerusalem. It is also the time of year when we have the most daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, with the summer solstice only a week away. A description of a light-bringing object is read in synagogue when we have the most natural light.

Light signifies so many things in our Jewish tradition and in our broader culture. Light is God’s presence, be it the Eternal Light that hangs in the front of synagogues or the lights of our Shabbat candles. Light is memory, represented by memorial candles. Light is goodness and morality. Light is joy and warmth.

Conversely, the shadows of darkness, especially in the last 20 months, are seemingly more present than ever before. Be it the literal darkness of hostages in tunnels or the moral darkness of acts of antisemitism and those unwilling to condemn it, we are feeling the encroachment of so many feelings and realities that are oppositional to the significances of light listed above.

This Torah portion and this celestial time of year must encourage us to find light, let light shine as brightly as possible, and find ways to share our light and create new sources of light. Community, allyship and moral courage are the beacons that ensure our communal and personal Menorahs continue to burn brightly.