The term ner tamid (everlasting lamp) used to describe the daily mitzvah to light the menorah’s seven lamps equals 704, the same as the numerical value of the word beShabbat (in or on Shabbat). The numerical value of the word “Shabbat” by itself is 702, which is the exact inverse of the numerical value of the word ohr (light), 207. The Hebrew word for light also equals the numerical value of the Hebrew word for “infinite” (ein sof). This web of connections linking the words “everlasting lamp,” “in/on Shabbat,” “light” and “infinite” teaches us that God’s infinite aspect is revealed through His light, and this light is most accessible to those experiencing Shabbat. By connecting to Shabbat’s spiritual dimension, we are able to bask in God’s infinite light, which is constantly accessible, but is most accessible on the holy Shabbat.
Significantly, the connection between light and Shabbat is symbolized by the Jewish people lighting Shabbat candles to ceremonially usher in the day of rest. Both light and Shabbat awaken the same associations of holiness, purity, spirituality, and joy. Just as God’s infinite presence was concentrated within the Tabernacle’s finite structure, so too God’s infinite light is highly-concentrated in the Shabbat’s finite and detailed laws. As we learned in the previous portion (“The Cherubim”), Shabbat functions as an everlasting sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Shabbat is the vehicle God uses to communicate with Israel by shining His infinite light in an accessible manner.
