This time period is called “The Three Weeks” during which we mourn for the destruction of our two Holy Temples (in 67 CE and in 423 BCE).
It is a good time to study about the Temple, and to reflect on our loss, while also increasing the hope of rebuilding. As we contemplate the Temple, it is critical that we recall the fundamental teaching based on the original command to construct the Temple, “Make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell within them.” Why does it not say, “within it” (singular)? To teach us that Hashem dwells within every one of us. As such, every aspect of the Temple exists within us.
One of the primary elements of the Temple was the Ark of the Covenant. It was upon the Ark that the Divine Presence – the Shechina – was manifest. The Torah instructs us to make an ark of acacia wood, coated inside and outside with gold. The Talmud describes how it was designed. They fashioned three boxes that were able to fit into one another. The first box was gold. The second box, made slightly larger, was wood. The third box, made slightly larger, was gold. The first gold box was inserted into the wood, and the two of them were then inserted into the second gold box, then the top was sealed with a gold coating.
The Chassidic masters teach that these three boxes represent three layers of ourselves, our core identity, how we experience ourselves, and how we project beyond ourselves.
The inner gold box corresponds to our core identity, the essence of the soul. This is pure gold, a point of connection to Hashem that cannot be sullied.
The wood box corresponds to how we experience ourselves, our ideas and feelings, our mindsets and attitudes. We all know that these are not always something to feel proud of. Sometimes they are plain or even ugly.
The outer gold box corresponds to how we project beyond ourselves. Our behaviors, our words, and even our thoughts as they emerge from a contemplative state. One might think that there is no point in ensuring that our behaviors are “beautiful” if our inside is plain or ugly.
The lesson of the ark is that the outer box was gold. When you are doing the right thing, even when not fully aligned with your inside, you are not a hypocrite. Because you have a deeper layer of gold that is your core identity. Of course we want to work on our inside as well. But a plain or even ugly inside should not prevent us from ensuring a golden outside, which is in complete alignment with our core identity.
The Shechina was manifested upon the Ark. This is true of our personal Ark as well. Despite the plain wooden middle, Hashem is proud to dwell upon our golden Ark, all of the good that we do in this world.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Mendel Rivkin