This week’s Torah portion is filled with events that have been discussed at length over the centuries. (You’ll find it in the Book of Numbers, chapters 8 through 12).

And yet, with all of the important and sometimes bewildering things that happen, I’m stuck at the beginning. In the first verse, Aaron is instructed, “When you mount the lamps [b’ha’alot’ka] let the seven lamps give light at the front of the lampstand.” These lamps are the “menorahs” in the Tent of Meeting (the word menorah literally means lamp, and in this context, is not the same as a Hanukkah menorah).

The root of the word for “when you mount” is alah, to rise up, or be lifted. It’s related to the word aliyah, which we use for moving to Israel (“making aliyah“) and for having a Torah honor during services, during which one “goes up” to the scroll.

All of the subsequent events in the Torah portion deal with interactions; those between humans and humans, and those between God and humans. Several times there are conflicts, such as when Miriam and Aaron speak badly about Moses’ wife. Other times things go smoothly, especially when people cooperate, collaborate, and encourage each other.

But first comes the commandment to lift up light. When we shine light into dark places, into confusion and miscommunication, we can bring clarity and understanding.

Aaron is commanded to lift light, to enlighten. In our complicated world, where at times it seems that darkness prevails, may the leaders of our countries – and we in our own small ways – remember to shine the light of hope, understanding, wisdom, and peace.