5784/2024
In this weeks Parashah, Parashat Terumah, Bnei Yisrael is given the great opportunity to build the Mishkan. After intstucting Bnei Yisrael how to build the Aron, the Torah commands that poles must be inserted onto its sides to hold when carrying the Aron from place to place. There was a clear mandate that the poles would always need to remain at the sides of the Aron. Rav Shimson Raphael Hirsch explains that the constant presence of the poles teaches us a fundamental lesson. The poles, which carried the Aron, symbolized the mission to carry the Aron and its teachings, away from its present position. This taught Am Yisrael from the very start that the Torah and its mission is never bound to one specific place. The Torah is never confined to the Mishkan, the Beit HaMikdash, or any other Beit Midrash in the future. We have the great opportunity and responsibility to bring the Torah and its teachings to any circumstance and situation.
On a practical level, there are many waiting periods throughout our day. We often find ourselves waiting for an appointment, class, shiur, or event to commence. The natural default is to immediately pick up our phones until the anticipated event begins. We have a great opportunity to always be equipped with a sefer so we learn significant amounts of Torah during all these waiting periods in our lives.
Additionally, the permanence of the poles has a deep meaning in our lives. We live in a turbulent and confusing world. We are very fortunate to have the Torah and its teachings to inform and guide us throughout our daily lives. The Torah is certainly not confined to the Beit Midrash. We should always eagerly bring the Torah into our lives to ensure we are living in the most optimal and dignified manner.