By: Romi Morales
In Parashat Tetzaveh, the expression נֵר תָּמִיד (Ner Tamid) refers to an “Eternal Light.” This expression appears in Shemot/Exodus 27:20, when Bnei Israel is commanded to bring pure olive oil to constantly light a lamp in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). At first glance, this topic may seem distant, yet it holds a profound message for those who seek to influence, impact, and inspire through education, beyond their physical presence. A true educator is not measured solely by what they teach but by the lasting imprint they leave on those who learn from them.
If you are one of these educational figures and wish to analyze the legacy you are leaving through your teaching, this article may be of interest to you. Join me. Let’s begin!
Educational Figures Who Are a Constant Light
Some people come and go in our lives without leaving a trace. Others, however, appear at a specific moment, for a relatively short time, yet leave a profound and lasting impact. This is especially true with educators, though not all of them. Some educators manage to become a constant light for their students, leaving behind a legacy that continues to illuminate the path even when they are no longer present.
What qualities and skills allow an educator to generate such a deep impact? To answer this question, we can say that the influence of a memorable educator is built on three key dimensions:
- KNOWING (Saber): The pedagogical training and knowledge they transmit.
- BEING (Saber Ser): The human qualities and values they embody.
- DOING (Saber Hacer): The tools and strategies they use to create a lasting impact.
The combination of these three factors may be part of the secret to success. Let’s explore them further.
Eternal Light: Knowledge and Education
Just as the Ner Tamid did not shine to dazzle but to provide clarity and guidance, an educator with these skills is a light that accompanies without imposing, guides without suffocating, and enables each student to discover their own path. At the same time, they provide the necessary tools to help their students become autonomous, critical, and committed individuals.
When discussing the KNOWING dimension, we generally refer to the skills that allow an educator to be an effective transmitter of knowledge and values. Some key attributes of these educational figures include:
- Deep knowledge of the subject (which enables them to relate it to real life, making it relevant, meaningful, and long-lasting).
- The ability to foster critical thinking (they do not impose answers but rather spark questions, encouraging students to challenge societal paradigms, fostering their freedom of thought and action).
- Flexibility and creativity in teaching (they adapt educational methods to the needs of the group and find innovative ways to educate).
To assess whether this dimension is strong within you, ask yourself:
- Do my teachings connect with my students’ reality?
- What strategies can I implement to spark curiosity and a desire to learn?
- When was the last time I challenged my own teaching methods?
- Do I allow my students to question what I teach and construct their own knowledge?
- Do I learn from my students? How have they helped me become a better educator?
Eternal Light as a Reflection of Personal Example
The Parashah mentions the immense effort required to keep the Eternal Light of the Menorah burning. Only the first drop of olive oil was used for this significant purpose, and it was obtained through great effort. Once lit, this light filled the space with energy, capable of transmitting the deepest values to those who perceived it.
Similarly, educational coherence requires effort, perseverance, and dedication. However, when we align our words with our actions, our personal example becomes a light that shines beyond the present moment. From this, we learn the importance of the BEING dimension—the human qualities that make an educator significant in the lives of their students, beyond the content they share.
If KNOWING refers to the “what,” BEING refers to the “how.” While there are many attributes that define impactful educators, the most valued tend to be:
- Authenticity (they teach without masks, genuinely connecting with students).
- Humility and continuous learning (they see themselves as lifelong learners and enjoy demonstrating to students that they, too, are constantly growing and evolving).
- Empathy (they listen, understand, and support individual and collective learning processes).
- Passion for education (they transmit energy and love for what they do).
- Coherence (they educate by example; their life is a clear reflection of the values they teach).
To evaluate this dimension in your educational practice, reflect on these questions:
- What values do I transmit without explicitly stating them?
- What do I do every day to continue growing as a person and educator?
- How does my body language, tone of voice, and attitude impact my students’ learning?
- Am I the kind of educational figure I would have liked to have when learning?
- If I stopped teaching today, what legacy do I think I have left with my students?
- What values and lessons do I want my students to remember from me when I am no longer present?
Eternal Light: From Theory to Practice
The concept of Ner Tamid remains alive in synagogues, where a lamp burns permanently near the Aron HaKodesh, where the Torah scrolls are kept. Thanks to the vision of our ancestors, the constant development of leadership, and the deep work on the concept of Kehilah (community), this light has remained burning and has been passed down from generation to generation.
To ensure this transcendence, we need the DOING dimension. This dimension, focused on the purpose of education (the “why”), includes the tools that allow educators to create a lasting impact. Just as our predecessors did, inspiring educators tend to have a long-term educational vision. While they invest in the present, they understand that their work will bear fruit in the future. By developing multiple skills, they encourage their students to become positive leaders in any environment they find themselves in.
These educators also promote teamwork and a sense of community within their educational spaces, helping students develop a sense of belonging to something greater than themselves. This, in turn, nurtures the desire to positively influence the world around them.
To reflect on this dimension, ask yourself:
- How can I ensure my educational legacy transcends generations?
- Do I inspire other educators to leave a lasting impact?
- Do I motivate my students to become agents of change?
Conclusion
Parashat Tetzaveh presents us with a beautiful invitation to ask ourselves deep questions about the extent to which our educational role knows how to be and do light in our educational spaces. Alevai (may it be so) that we become a source of light and help each of our students shine authentically and forever. Alevai that the lessons we impart through our personal example endure over time and contribute to making this world a better place.
