The Step Before the Menorah

“when you make the lights ascend” (b’ha’alotcha): there was a step (ma’alah, the same root word as “b’ha’alotcha”) before the menorah,  on which the Kohain stood to kindle the lights.            Midrash Aggadah Numbers 8:2

          Symbolically, the step represents the concept that one may not stand in his own place, but must ascend spiritually in order to kindle the light of Torah. Even more, there is a reciprocal relationship, and kindling the menorah should contribute to one’s spiritual advancement.