Timeless Torah

G-d had unveiled his blueprint for the Mishkan, the desert Sanctuary. Detailed and intricate instructions for each and every aspect of the structure were revealed. Among the sacred utensils to be built, three were to be adorned with a zer, a decorative rim or golden crown: the Altar, the Table and the Ark.

The commonality of these three objects is underscored by a Mishna recorded in Ethics of our Fathers that lumps together three stations in life. In the words of Rabbi Shimon, "There are three crowns: the Crown of Torah, the Crown of Priesthood and the Crown of Royalty." The commentaries point out that these three articles in the Sanctuary parallel the three crowns listed in the Talmud.

The Ark which contained both sets of Tablets wherein was inscribed the Ten Commandments symbolize the crown of Torah, the Table which foretold of great wealth and status represent the crown of Kingship and the Golden Altar upon which the incense was offered is associated with the crown of Priesthood.

There are two questions in connection with the Ark/Crown of Torah relationship. The crown of Priesthood was originally granted only to Aaron and his descendants. Royalty too, was conferred only upon a select group, the sovereign rulers from the dynasty of King David. But the diadem of Torah is accessible and available to all.

This is in keeping with the verse, "Every one who thirsts, come to the waters of Torah." Indeed the annals of Jewish history sparkle with names like Rabbi Akiva, Hillel, Resh Lakish and others who grew up in humble origins and unlikely backgrounds, until they, by dint of effort and struggle were crowned with immortal fame as scholars of Torah.

As such, there are those who imagine that the other two crowns, in light of their exclusivity, are far more noble and distinguished, while the Crown of Torah is rather plebeian and ordinary. Why is it, they therefore wonder, that the Ark, representing the Torah was placed in the Holy of Holies, while the other two were not?

A second query involves the measurement of the ark of the covenant. The Talmud posits that the hallowed chest, although having height, width and length, miraculously did not occupy space. What exactly, they ask, was the purpose and/or lesson of this supernatural phenomenon?

The two questions are interrelated. Specifically because the acquisition of Torah does not veto the participation of others equally inclined, is it the most exalted of the three. This difference is characterized by the above-mentioned objects of the Sanctuary. The Table and the Incense Altar occupied space, and no other table or altar could be in that spot at the same time. This is similar to the families of Aaron and David who not only fulfilled their assigned roles, but effectively barred any other would be hopefuls from joining in these prominent tasks.

The Ark, however, was not bound by those limitations and did not conform to the rules of space. Conceptually, one could thus bring in another ark to be placed in that same spot, and another, and another, ad infinitum.

Torah is not reserved for the elite. To bear the royal scepter or don the breastplate of the High Priest are truly grand achievements but limited, like a lightbulb that only illuminates one room at a time. Torah is better compared to the sun, where from its commanding plateau, it radiates and warms all.
(Dedicated to Rabbi & Rebbetzin Bartfield, mazal tov.)