Illuminating our worldly pursuits with deeper connection:

In the sanctuary, the Menorah was placed on the south wall. The Shulchan stood opposite on the north wall. Both were near the curtain of the Holy of Holies on the West.

From the verse “And the Menorah should be opposite the Shulchan” we learn that nothing could be placed between the Menorah and the Shulchan. Even the incense altar which ...stood in the centre had to be positioned towards the east so that it would not obstruct.

Elsewhere when describing the lighting of the Menorah, the Torah teaches that the candles should shine אל מול פני המנורה. Most commentators explain that the wicks of the Menorah were positioned so that the flames all shone towards (מול) the central branch of the Menorah.

However Chizkuni takes a different angle. מול means opposite. The verse is teaching that the candles had to shine towards that which stood opposite (מול) the Menorah. The Menorah’s function is to illuminate the Shulchan.

Each morning we spiritually connect through prayer and Torah study, represented by the Menorah. We want to take this connection with us to illuminate and inspire us in our worldly pursuits and daily activities, represented by the Shulchan.

We have to make sure that nothing obstructs this flow of light so that our workday can also be radiated with the light of spiritual meaning and Divine purpose.