Another place in the Tabernacle and Temple where light plays a central role is on the sacrificial alter. Whereas the menorah represents spiritual light, is constructed from pure gold and was placed in the inner Sanctuary, the alter represents physical light in the form of fire, is made from copper, considered an inferior metal, and was placed in the outer courtyard. The menorah symbolizes man’s higher and elevated nature, his Godly soul, while the fire on the alter symbolizes man’s lower nature and the need to refine and control the fire of desire and passion.
The light of the menorah was lit each day, thus its eternal aspect, but from the amount of oil put in the lamps it was not expected to burn continually. One of the lamps did actually burn constantly, though it was by way of a miracle. Paradoxically, it is the fire on the alter that the Torah commands to be kept burning at all times: “The fire on the alter shall be kept burning on it, it shall not be extinguished….a permanent fire shall remain aflame on the alter, it shall not be extinguished” (Leviticus 6:5-6).
From this we learn that the essential spiritual work needed attending to on an ongoing basis is specifically related to elevating our lower animal natures. The soul naturally is drawn to all that is holy and pure, whereas the body is drawn after its instinctual desires. By keeping the fire burning on the alter we learn another important lesson: that the purpose is not to extinguish passion and desire, but rather to elevate them to God and a higher purpose. Sacrifices on the alter are called in the Torah “fire offerings,” in the sense that man is deemed capable of uplifting all aspects of his being to God. Ultimately the light of the soul, symbolized by the light of the menorah is dependent on man’s ability to transform his fiery nature to a more refined light.
