Parshas Eikev
The Human Ark
I have always been fascinated by the wooden ark that Moshe mentions in
this weeks’ parsha as being the place where he deposited the tablets of
stone upon which the aseret hadvarim – the Ten Commandments were
inscribed. The commentators to the Bible differ in their understanding of
this wooden ark. Some present it as being the ark that went out to war to
lead the Israelites in battle against their enemies. Others see the wooden
ark as being the inner middle ark of the three “boxes” that composed the
Holy Ark that resided in the Holy of Holies. The outside “box” was gold,
the inside “box” was gold and the middle “box” that separated between them
was made of wood. It was this wooden “box” that Moshe used as a temporary
storage place for the great tablets of Sinai.
In any event, no matter which opinion we will follow in this discussion,
it is obvious that this wooden ark had great significance and importance
in Jewish life. It led the Jewish army into battle and victory and/or it
bound together the two “boxes” of gold that housed the tablets of stone in
the Holy of Holies. So what is so special about a wooden box? I appreciate
the value and grandeur that the golden “boxes” must have brought to the
Temple and the tablets of stone that they contained. After all, the Torah
and the Temple represent the royalty of Judaism and royalty requires gold
to enhance it. But why the wooden ark? What does that represent and teach
us?
I think that the wooden ark represents the power of Torah in Jewish life.
The Torah is compared to the tree of life – eitz chayim. Wood is a symbol
of life not of an inert metal. Trees are one of the great natural wonders
of God’s world. Without their presence, life as we know it on this planet
could not exist. The Torah itself compares human life to trees – ki haadam
eitz hasedah – humans are as the trees of the field. The Torah cannot be
housed only in gold. It is the symbol of life and therefore must be
nurtured and protected by living things.
Even in war, with all of its technology and weapons, it is the living
human being’s bravery, courage and ability that ultimately decide the
fray. Therefore, Moshe’s choice of a wooden ark to house the tablets of
stone is a most appropriate one. For in our time, when we are deprived of
the Temple and of the golden Holy Ark, the Torah resides within the living
organism of the Jewish people and of individual Jews. We are, so to speak,
Moshe’s wooden ark.
It is our living vitality that creates the commitment to Torah that
ensures its continuity and eternity. The Torah does not reside within
golden museums. Rather, it resides within the living Jew who cherishes its
teachings and values and practices its ritual lifestyle. How important and
necessary therefore is this lesson of Moshe’s wooden ark. It speaks to the
heart of Jewish life and practice.
Shabat shalom.
Rabbi Berel Wein
Rabbi Berel Wein - Jewish historian, author and international lecturer offers a complete selection of CDs, audio tapes, video tapes, DVDs, and books on Jewish history at www.rabbiwein.com
Text Copyright © 2006 by Rabbi Berel Wein and Torah.org
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