The beginning of Parshat Be’halotcha has a message for our talmidim as the year comes to a close and they venture toward their respective college campuses. When one looks at the pasuk, we must ask why doesn’t the Torah use the word “lehadlik” – to light, instead of “behalothcha” which means to cause the wicks of the menorah to be lit. Rashi remarks that the cohen is supposed to cause the lit candle to ignite the others and that they will continued to be lit on their own.

The concept of the candles burning after being ignited is the message of the year in Israel. The yeshiva tries to ignite within our talmidim a love of torah & mitzvoth but the goal is for the talmidim to continue to “be lit” once the source of the flame is removed. The true test for the rest of their lives is to maintain and intensify the bright light that they have lit over the wonderful year at Shvilei.

May they keep the flame burning stronger and stronger over the summer and for the years to come

Shabbat shalom and have a wonderful summer!