Can you explain the concept of heavenly fire, like that which consumed the sacrifices? Are we talking about a physical fire? Do we have any information about the nature of this fire?
Ask The Rabbi
Ask The Rabbi
Can you explain the concept of heavenly fire, like that which consumed the sacrifices? Are we talking about a physical fire? Do we have any information about the nature of this fire?
In general, ‘heavenly fire’ does not consume things, as the burning bush was not consumed. There was a specific instance in which the fire was a consuming one, at the top of the mountain, as mentioned in the Torah portion of Mishpatim.
This fire from heaven doesn’t cause smoke of itself. In order for the fire from above to come down, fire must be brought from the hediot, from a person here in this world. When the person’s service is done in a complete manner, this causes a response of “fire” coming down from above.
The “fire” from above connects finite beings with the infinite.
ליקוטי שיחות לפרשת משפטים חלק ט”ז, ליקוטי שיחות לפרשת צו חלק א