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Sefer Shemos
Parashas Terumah
by
Rabbi Michael Unger
And you shall make two CHERUVIM of gold,
of beaten work you shall make them at the two ends of the ark cover.
The two Cheruvim
stand on top of the ark cover (CAPORES) which is the lid of the ARON
KODESH, the container for the tablets of the law. The fact that they are
golden images makes them quite exceptional. What could explain the
placement of these two images in the Holy of Holies?
Rabbenu Bechaye comments that the ARON symbolizes the Torah
scholar. Inside the ARON are the tablets of the law that we received at
Sinai. The two poles that support the ARON symbolize the people who are
expected to support those Torah scholars.
On top of the ARON is the CAPORES which
represents those who are on a higher level than the Torah scholars - the
prophets who receive the word of G-d. Above that are the two CHERUVIM who
represent the angels - those who are the messengers of G-d. Their wings are
spread upwards to show that there is something above them - the presence of
G-d.
Had there been only one CHERUV and not
two, one could mistakenly conclude that this image was an idol or a
representation of G-d.
It is interesting that Rabbenu Bechaye considers the
ARON and its parts as a kind of "information highway" - G-d sends
His word to the prophets by way of the angels. The prophets
words are studied by the Torah scholars, and because they study Torah, they
are supported by the people. Of course, the financial support that the
people give to those studying Torah is also from G-d, but the important
"highway" is the word of Torah since the world was created for
Torah study.
The idea that we are financially sound
because we support the study of Torah in Yeshivos
is essential to a proper outlook in Judaism. May all Jews merit to be
represented in the Holy of Holies - some study the Torah and others support
it.
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