This weeks Parsha elaborates on the necessity of continual and incessant striving in achieving ever more spirituality. Although different times require different forms of service, any time that is devoid of dvekus - cleaving to that which is holy - inherently distances a person from ever achieving that true spirituality that he naturally yearns for.
Nighttime - a time that lends itself to subdued inactivity - is such a time: When the blanket of darkness covers the World both physically and spiritually, one might think that total darkness prevails; for it is a time of obscurity. The night thus has license to breed superficiality in the form of powerful emotions and lurking danger; wanting to engulf the light of sensibility with the encroaching blackness. It is at times such as these that a person has to realize that not all is lost. For even the night has its light - its very own and unique form of service and spirituality; although it may be somewhat hidden and modestly concealed.
In our Parsha we learn that although no sacrifices were brought upon the Great Altar (Malchus) at night; still, certain select portions of the Olah - Burnt Offering were to be burnt throughout the night. This continual fire (of the Gvuros Haelyonos) which burned on the Great Altar and which consumed these sacrificial portions, not only kept the forces of darkness and superficiality at bay; thus retaining the integrity of the night until Malchus could unite with Tiferes - this being the brilliant clarity of a new day. But also, at the very same time, this continual fire enabled a spiritual influx (Malchus uniting with Yesod) to still manifest itself in the World even at night - albeit minimally, expressing this unique though covert spiritual connection with the Divine.
Just as the fire on the Great Altar burned continuously, even when no sacrifices were possible; so do the Jewish Nation need to continue their striving even during physical and spiritual nights - but in a more concealed and modest way. For when we know that Hashem is with us at all times, we literally connect ourselves to Him, thereby protecting ourselves from all evil. As we say in the nighttime prayer, Hashkivenu Avinu leshalom - Our Father, cause us to lie down in sleep in peace. Then we will bask in the imminent morning light, veha'amidenu Malkenu lechayim - Our King, cause us to rise up to life.
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