The burning bush and the menorah

From Sinai and Zion, by Jon D. Levenson:

In the encounter of Moses and the burning bush, two of God’s emblems – tree and fire – clash, and neither overpowers the other. The two will appear again in tandem in the [menorah], the Tabernacle candelabrum which is actually a stylized tree, complete with “branches,” “almond shaped cups,” “calyxes,” and “petals” (Exodus 25:31-39). This arborescent lampstand appears not only in the Tabernacle which served as Israel’s central sanctuary in the period of wandering in the wilderness, but also in the Temple that was to be built by Solomon . . . The Temple at Jerusalem was lit by the fires of the burning tree.

It’s a tree.

It’s on fire.

It’s not consumed.

Moses sees it and thinks it’s a wonder.

Why a tree?

Why on fire?

Fire is everywhere.

We are consumed. We are exhausted. Spent fuel.

Another prophet once called You

mikor mayim khayyim — Source of Living Waters.

I call you “Higher Power,” or “Cosmic Companion,” or whatever name I might use to call on th…