Rashi addresses the juxtaposition of parashas ha’Menorah upon the end of the previous parsha. The latter detailed the korbanos, offerings of the Nesiim for the chanukas ha’Mizbayach. When Aharon noticed the involvement of the Nesiim in the dedication, he became chagrined that neither he nor any member of his tribe had been included. It is not that he was jealous; he simply desired to have a part in this sacred inauguration. Hashem calmed him, saying, “Yours is greater than theirs, for you will light the Menorah.” The Ramban explains that the Mishkan/Bais Ha’Mikdash would not always be around. Regrettably, it was destined to be destroyed and the korbanos offered on the Altar halted. We will, however, continue to light the candles of the menorah in remembrance of the miracle of Chanukah.
Horav Elchanan Sorotzkin, zl, offers an alternative response to this question. During the dedication of the Mizbayach, after everyone had contributed heavily toward the Mishkan and the Nesiim had offered their korbanos toward the Mizbayach, Aharon realized that no member of his tribe had shared in this lofty endeavor. Perhaps the klal was truly holy and it was they — not Shevet Levi — who had “carried” the nation. After all, the Leviim did not go to war and had no land. To a great extent they were separated from the nation. What had their contribution been? How did they share in the eternity of Am Yisrael?
Hashem told Aharon, “Yours is still greater than theirs. You kindle the Menorah.” Your work causes the light of Torah to penetrate throughout the nation. It is conceivable to build a Mikdash that is both esthetically appealing and spiritually holy, but will remain “dark” and lifeless unless the light of the Menorah, symbolizing ohr ha’Torah, is kindled. When Moshe walked into the Mishkan, only he could hear the voice of Hashem. There is no question that without the contributions of so many, the Mishkan would not have been a reality. Yet, a building that does not shine forth, in which Torah is not being studied, is nothing more than a mausoleum. Yes, Aharon had the greatest and loftiest position in the Mishkan. By lighting the Menorah, he validated the contributions of those who had preceded him. The light of Torah which emanated from the Mishkan lit up the hearts and minds of Klal Yisrael. The edifice is important, but let us not forget its purpose.
