This week's Parsha is the dream of every Jewish architect and interior designer. It describes the construction of the Mishkan, the portable Temple that traveled with the Jewish People during their 40 years in the desert (and for 500 years after), until finding its permanent home in Jerusalem.
At the center of the Mishkan was the Holy Ark which contained the Tablets of the Ten Commandments. This Ark was a square box made of wood. The Torah explains (Exodus 25:11): "You shall cover the wood with pure gold from the inside and from the outside."
The need to cover the outside of the Ark with gold is understandable: The centerpiece of the Mishkan should certainly be majestic and regal. But what need is there to cover the wood on the inside of the box as well?
The Talmud (Yoma 72b) explains: A person's outward appearance must be an accurate reflection of their insides as well. In other words, don't be a hypocrite.
We all know someone who is a fake - quick with a smile, yet ready to stab you in the back just the same. Sadly, part of getting by in life is the ability to discern the genuine from the fake. (Children happen to be particularly adept at this.) Maybe that's what King Solomon meant when he said, "Better the anger of a friend than the kiss of an enemy." At least you know what you're getting.
One of the wonders of Judaism is how the Hebrew language reveals truths about everyday life. The Hebrew word for face - "paneem," is nearly identical to the Hebrew word for interior - "pineem." This teaches that the face we present must reflect our insides. (Contrast this with the English word "face," which shares its origins with "facade," meaning a deceptive appearance.)
This aversion to hypocrisy is reflected in the laws of kashrut as well. The one Jewish law that everyone in the world seems to know is that a Jew is not allowed to eat ham, pork or anything else derived from a pig. Interestingly, there is nothing in the Torah that seems to make this prohibition more stringent than eating, for example, catfish or a chocolate-covered ant. Why then have we singled out this prohibition against the pig?
The Torah tells us (and zoologists concur) that the pig is the only animal in the world possessing the outward symbol of kosher (split hooves), but not the inward symbol (chewing cud). The pig therefore represents that which is kosher in outward appearance, but is in fact unclean on the inside. This type of hypocrisy is described the Talmud as one of the categories of behavior that God detests. For that moral reason, the pig is universally viewed as reprehensible to the Jew.
Back to our Parsha... We're left with one glaring question: If the Ark is covered with gold both on the inside and the outside, then what need is there at all for the shell to be made out of wood?! Why not simply make the ark one solid piece of gold?
The answer is that attaining purity and sincerity does not necessarily happen overnight. Like any important goal, it is achieved through constant, steady growth. Wood - organic and dynamic - represents this idea.
Judaism is not all-or-nothing. Observance of Torah might begin with the lighting of Shabbos candles. Or it might mean studying the weekly Parsha, 15 minutes a day. (ArtScroll's Stone Chumash is particularly good for this.) Or it might mean reciting Shema Yisrael before going to bed.
Imagine stumbling across a gold mine. Would you turn down the gold because you know you won't find all the gold mines in the world? So too, every Mitzvah is a gold mine. Of course, we strive ultimately to fulfill them all. But even if we do just one, our lives are enriched forever.
The important thing is not where we are on the ladder, but rather in what direction we're headed, and how many rungs we've climbed. One tree does not compare its rings against another. Growth through Torah is the same way. Whatever effort you make to come close to the Almighty, whatever Torah you learn - the impact is cumulative. Perhaps that's why the Torah likens a person to a tree (see Deut. 20:19). Steady and constant, every drop counts.
The Talmud (Brachos 28a) says that in the Yeshiva of Rabban Gamliel, the prerequisite for admission was that a student's internal character had to match his outer appearance. Rabban Gamliel did not accept just anybody into the Yeshiva; he accepted only those who were honest, sincere and free of hypocrisy.
The Talmud continues: After Rabban Gamliel left his position as head of the Yeshiva, they instituted a new policy whereby any student - fitting or not - could be admitted. Hundreds of new students flocked to sign up. At which point, Rabban Gamliel became depressed and said, "Perhaps, God forbid, I have withheld Torah from the Jewish People!"
The Chiddushei HaRim (19th century Europe) asks: What was Rabban Gamliel saying? Of course he knew all along that his strict admission policy prevented some people from learning! So why is he so surprised now and getting depressed?
The answer is that Rabban Gamliel saw that because all those new students spent time in the Yeshiva, they too became honest and sincere by virtue of having learned Torah. Torah has the power to transform a person from mediocre to great.
Some years ago, I was speaking privately with a great Torah scholar and I said to him: "Rabbi, I am so grateful for the opportunity I've had to learn Torah. Without it, I don't know where I'd be."
The rabbi looked at me and said, "Me, too."
At the beginning of this week's parsha, God commands the Jewish People to "make Me a Mishkan, so that I may dwell within them" (Exodus 25:8). The Talmud points out that the verse should have read, "Make Me a Mishkan, so that I may dwell within it." Why then the language of "dwell within them"?
Because, answer our Sages, the Torah is telling us that the goal of building the Mishkan is not merely to create a House for God, but to sanctify a place for Him within the people. Each individual Jew must personally strive to become a microcosm of the Mishkan: a living, breathing bastion of holiness.
Today, let us hope to find the strength and inspiration to build our very own Mishkan. And may its Ark be crafted of fine wood, laden with gold, both inside and out.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Shraga Simmons
(25) Tamara, February 16, 2021 4:55 PM
Your chizuk is a blessing
Todah rabah for this chizuk article. BH I was born Jewish...unfortunately, only my brothers attended Sunday school. As an adult, Aish (and the articles you and other have written) has been so helpful in truly learning about Judaism and Torah. Your article just lets me know that I am doing the right thing on my journey to a closer relationship with Hashem. That all steps are important—not just not the Yeshiva student...but each and every one of us. With encouragement like yours, I can continue to move up the ladder!
Todah rabah Rabbi
(24) Anonymous, February 15, 2018 1:01 PM
Amen! Excellent article and very well written! Thanks for posting!
(23) Anonymous, February 4, 2014 1:22 PM
Excellent!
This article is really excellent, thank you for posting it!
(22) Anonymous, February 2, 2014 8:30 PM
Torah...a gold mine
Great article and good reminder as to why we should not under any circumstance eat pork or any of its derivatives. Also, the article is a good source of reference to go into deep introspection to keep ourselves kosher inside out, meaning to be genuine in our judaic faith and beliefs, and reflecting our translucent self in the image of Hashem. Thank you a million for leaving in us part of your legacy.
(21) Dvirah, February 23, 2012 2:22 PM
Pigs
While everything Rabbi Simmons said concerning pigs is true, one reason why this restriction of all others is best known to the goyim is because for almost 1000 years, the meat of the common man in Europe was the pig. Only rich land-owners could afford beef (cow) and mutton (sheep), but almost everyone could afford a pig. That a people would not avail itself of this very affordable and tasty source of meat must have astonished the common Euorpean greatly and been a far more than 9-days wonder.
(20) Anonymous, February 8, 2008 10:49 AM
RE: "Holy Inside and Out"
Sarai, I would recommend contacting a rabbi to ask for help regarding conversion. There are rabbis who specialize in helping Jews return to Torah observance, and who work with sincere converts. Converting to Judaism is not easy, and it is a rabbi's obligation to try and discourage you, but if you feel that connection to the Jewish people, stick with it and it will happen! I would also recommend moving into a community where you can be within walking distance of a shul, if you haven't yet.
I was not very observant and intermarried, but my wife had a very strong pull towards Judaism and the Jewish people. Together we have increased our observance over time and she has been working with a rabbi towards conversion. We live in a frum community now as well, and we have been open with our background and found that most have been extremely welcoming and accepting of us.
(19) Sarai, February 6, 2008 1:31 PM
"Holy Inside and Out"
I couldn't pass the opportunity to comment by sharing my experience I had this week. I am blessed in so many ways. This commentary has touched my heart and truly I needed it.
I spoke to a man (not a Rabbi) leader of a Jewish cultural center just a couple of days ago to ask him for help. You see, I recently converted to Judaism. I was so relieved to everything you wrote in "Holy Inside and Out". He told me that because of my past no one will accept me.
And because of my past I cannot call myself a Jewish woman. I pray to HaShem he reads your insights. Perhaps, it will help him understand that
although I may not be an official convert my heart has been converted- my full heart, that is. Your use of symbolism of the gold mine, the ladder
and the tree rings truly comforted me to the bitter words of this man. Todah raba and may HaShem baruj hu continue to bless you. Todah raba for the enouraging and uplifting heart-felt words.
You have belped me in more ways than you can possible imagine.
(18) Michal Batya, February 5, 2008 12:31 PM
What an honour to be compared with the mishkan
I have the feeling, I hear it now for the first time. Hashem wants to dwell within "them" His holy Laws - the "parents" of all 613 mitzvoth - rest in the mishkan. May we not only contain some of that preciosness but may our hearts contain his mitzvoth, appreciate them and love them.
(17) Scott Granowski, February 23, 2007 5:26 PM
Integrity
Thank you for your insightful column. I personally struggle with maintaining consistency internally with my insides. Such behavior is kind of like lipstick. One of the worst consequences of a different outside is the lack of feeling adequate as I am.
(16) jay c, February 20, 2007 10:39 AM
Wood is Unique
I think the ark had to be made of wood, because absolute perfection is undesirable. An object of pure metal is the same all the way through. 100 identical objects all made of the same pure metal are great if you're building engines on an assembly line, but not so great if you're building a nation. Every piece of wood is unique. 100 identical objects made of the same kind of wood will each be unique in grain, weight, density, and color. While we should all strive toward perfect harmony with G-d and the Torah, we should never all strive to be the same. We all have a different role to perform. That, I think, is why the Ark had to be made of wood.
(15) Nofar, March 3, 2006 12:00 AM
I like that idea
Wow Rabbi,
I really like the idea of how one must be true to themselves inside and out. I think that that is a struggle for us all and it helps to know that we are all in on this together.
Thanks
shabbat shalom!
(14) chaya, February 28, 2006 12:00 AM
tzniut
i really took in what u said about the ark being gold inside and out. as a girl its hard sometimes to understand why its so important to be tznius but as the gold was on the outside as well as the inside so ppl should be the same,modesty/tsnius on the outside as well as inside and visa versa.
(13) Michal Evenari, February 6, 2005 12:00 AM
All of us a living Mishkan
"Each individual Jew must personally
strive to be a microcosm of the Mishkan, a living, breathing bastion of holiness"
What a wonderful thought.
Hoping we all get to that point!
Michal
(12) Frank L. Rubensohn, February 27, 2004 12:00 AM
A new message every time.
Dear Rabbi:
It is such a treat to hear and read your inspirational messages
(11) Karl Rose, February 24, 2004 12:00 AM
I needed that!
Dear Rabbi Simmons,
I needed that encouragement really bad. I felt like at times of giving up, but your inspirational message kept me going! Thank you, Karl
(10) Les (Label Sholom) Satenstein, February 5, 2003 12:00 AM
Great explanation for the parasha
We could have also given a physical reason why gold was not used entirely for the walls of the arc. Wood is more boyant, wood is thermal, keeping the interior at at even temperature, etc.
(9) Ariel, February 4, 2003 12:00 AM
thank you!
Shalom- My name is Ariel and I am the Religious and Cultural VP of my local youth group. Your commentary has helped me greatly in formulating this weeks text study! Thank you for such inspiring thoughts :) BShalom Ariel
(8) Milton Evans, February 13, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent Article
Very good article.
(7) Joan Zahnle, February 13, 2002 12:00 AM
Excellent commentary
Dear Rabbi Simmons,
Your commentary always speaks to me, but this one in particular hits home. I have started to become more observant since I became a Bat Mitzvah as an adult a couple of years ago. We began with lighting the candles, blessing the wine and bread, we have now added the ritual of washing hands.
Your commentary reaffirms that I am on the right track.
B'Shalom,
Joan
(6) William Kysela, February 13, 2002 12:00 AM
Inspiring teaching!!
Dear Rabbi Shagra Simmons,
Although not Jewish, I lived many years in Florida and had wonderful Jewish neighbors and also served in the military with Jewish fellow-soldiers. I love everything to do with Israel and the Jewish people as my Christian beliefs are based on your scriptures - I love and serve Gos as do you and pray for peace so that no more Jewish or Arab children and adults are killed needlessly in Israel - by now in our human history we should have learned that war never really benefits anyone and we should be able to solve our problems in a friendly way. By teaching the Words of God you are truly helping to stop the forces of evil and wickedness. May God Bless you and I would like to learn more from you.
Sincerely, An American Friend who loves everything about Israel, her people and wondrous heritage. God bless your country and your people in all parts of the world. Shalom, and may God's peace always be with you. billyboyk@juno.com
(5) Anonymous, February 11, 2002 12:00 AM
Judaism is not all-or-nothing.
This commentary speaks to the vitality of Judaism that is rooted in learning and living the Torah. Thank you.
(4) Jeanie Voisin, February 27, 2001 12:00 AM
One Mitzvah At A Time
Thank you for your inspiring words, similar to my teachers here @ Aish in NYC -- I do believe it is better to do what you can and keep building up, adding more mitzvot as you go. The "every mitzvah is a goldmine" image, very positive -- Thanks!
(3) Anonymous, February 27, 2001 12:00 AM
Rabbi Simmons, this is yet another of your beautiful and encouraging articles. I too feel often overwhelmed by the responsibilities of being a "good Jew", but your reaffirmation of taking it in steps, and forever seeking to grow in knowledge and observance, is the type of encouragement that is refreshing and rejuvenating. None of the "holier than thou" attitude is ever evident from your or other Aish writers.
Thank you again for your ongoing Mitzvot in reaching out to such as I , those who are still seeking and grappling with the perplexities of Judaism - and religion , in general.
G-d bless you, and enable you to continue for a long time.
(2) Yoni Chesner, February 9, 2000 12:00 AM
GREAT
It spreads the beauty of Torah around the globe
thanks
(1) Baruch Menahem, February 8, 2000 12:00 AM
Wonderful, very encouraging to me
Rabbi: thank you again for reminding me that Judaism isn't an all or nothing proposition. I see all the many rules and laws and feel overwhelmed, almost paralyzed by the immense task of becoming observant.
Recently I installed a mezuzah, with encouragement and advice from you. It was one step. Thanks for reminding me that it's OK to do it imperfectly.