Always Light the Light

The ner tamid that is affixed above the ark is usually translated as the eternal light. We often suggest that this symbolizes God’s eternal presence.

Eternal light is a mistranslation. It would be better to translate this as the “always light.” Eternal implies that the light is something that burns despite our efforts. No matter what we do the flame burns and God is forever present. “Always” however suggests that we must tend to the light. There is human agency. We must always keep the fires burning.

We must always tend to bringing God’s presence into our lives and our world. The burning flame depends on us. In ancient times, the Israelites had to ensure that there was enough oil for the ner tamid. “You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling the ner tamid.” (Exodus 27)

Not only must the Israelites bring oil on a regular basis, but producing such pure oil is an enormous undertaking. Making olive oil is not an easy endeavor. It requires care, hard work and patience.

Olive trees begin producing olives three to five years after planting. One olive tree produces approximately six liters of olive oil in one year. That equates to eight 750 ml bottles. Each bottle provides enough oil to burn for fifty hours. To keep the light burning for one year one needs twenty olive trees. And that requires 50,000 liters of water.

Assuming the internet’s information is correct (perhaps an unwise assumption) and my mathematical calculations are accurate (also a risky proposition), that’s a lot of trees and a lot of time and a lot of effort. Producing olive oil requires a tremendous amount of attention and care. Keeping the ner tamid always burning is no simple or easy task.

Bringing God into the world depends on our regular and attentive care. It is not eternal. It is instead always demanded.