Aaron did so; he set up the lamps so that they faced forward on the lampstand, just as the LORD commanded Moses. — Numbers 8:3

The Torah portion for this week is Behaalotecha, which means “when you raise up,” from Numbers 8:1–12:16, and the Haftorah is from Zechariah 2:14–4:7.

This week’s Torah reading begins with a commandment for Aaron to light the lampstand. In verse 3, we read that “Aaron did so.” The Sages explain this confirmation that Aaron did as he was commanded was an expression of praise for Aaron. But what’s so commendable about what Aaron did? After all, he was only obeying what God told him to do. Would we expect him to do any differently? What is praiseworthy about Aaron’s obedience when disobedience would have been most unlikely?

The Sages explain with the following story about a boy in Russia whose job was to direct trains along the tracks with a lantern. One night there was a mistake, resulting in a horrible, fatal train crash. At that time in Russia, there was zero tolerance for such mistakes and the boy was brought to trial.

“Sir, were you by the tracks Monday night at 10 p.m.?” inquired the judge. “Yes, your honor,” the boy replied. “Did you see the oncoming train?” the judge continued. “Yes, your honor,” the boy confirmed. “Did you wave the lantern?” asked the judge. “Yes, your honor,” the boy answered once again. The judge then dismissed the case and found the defendant innocent. The prosecuting lawyer jumped up and exclaimed, “Judge, you forgot the main question! You didn’t ask if the lantern was lit. Waving a lantern without the fire inside is nothing!”

The Sages explain that the praise for Aaron was not because he did as he was commanded. Rather, Aaron was praised because he fulfilled his duties with passion and love for God. Rote obedience wouldn’t have been sufficient. Our actions are empty and meaningless to God unless we are lit up within.

When we do something over and over again in our lives, it’s easy to lose the passion we once had. Aaron’s worthiness of praise was derived from the fact that no matter how many times he lit the lampstand, he did it with the same enthusiasm as the first time. We, too, need to emulate Aaron, and retain the fire of love and passion as long as we serve our God.