"You shall make two golden cherubim" (Terumah 25:18)
While all the details of the Mishkan, have manny lessons for us, the Cherubim especially so. The two winged figures protruding from the Ark's cover, are the focal point of the Abarbanel's interpretation on what all the grandeur of the Mishkan means to each of us.
The key to unlocking the mystery of the Cherubim lies in the words of the verse describing how the Cherubim stood. The verse offers three details which encapsulate this message.
1) "The cherubim shall have their wings spread upwards",
2) "Their faces toward one another"
3) "[Turned] toward the ark cover"
The Cherubim embody the capabilities every person possess to reach his or her fullest potential. These details describing the positioning of the Cherubim offer an all important lesson.
First and foremost, our desire and goals should be to strive higher, "Wings spread upwards," reminding us to focus on spirituality and doing what G‑d wants form us.
This idea is further developed by the next detail, "Their faces toward one another." When focused on something greater than our own ambition, we can relate to and appreciate others.
Lastly, even when we are "[Turned] toward the ark cover," things that are below, (as the Ark was directly below the Cherubim) focused and dealing with mundane matters, we are still connected to our core.
All this is due, says the Abarbanel, to their placement on top of the Ark which contained the Torah. When the Torah is our foundation and we are firmly connected to it, all of what we do becomes unified in our one common purpose. Above, below, and unified.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.