Daf Yomi - Beitzah 21- Leaving the light on

The Gemara states that the Kohanim are mishulchan govoha kazachu, they receive their portion from the table of the Most High. We can interpret this phrase homiletically to mean that the Kohanim receive their purity from upon High. The Shem Mishmuel writes that the Halacha is that when one lights Chanukah candles and the lights are extinguished, one is not obligated to relight the candles. Yet, if this had occurred in the Bais HaMikdash, the Kohen would have had to relight the Menorah. The reason for this is because when Aharon HaKohen lit the Menorah, it was akin to igniting the pilot light, and we are lighting our candles from this great light. When the lights were extinguished in the Bais HaMikdash, however, it was as if the pilot light was extinguished and the Menorah had to be rekindled. Thus, the Kohanim received their purity and holiness directly from up High, and it was essential that they always maintain their high spiritual level.