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The Torah Temimah (ad loc.) refers to a commentary called Ein Eliyahu, who says that the image of a child hints at the idea that Hashem treated Bnei Yisrael as a child at that time. As a young nation, they were bound to make "immature" mistakes. Therefore, Hashem considered their national age when deciding how harshly to react to their flawed behavior.
The Torah Temimah rejects this explanation on the grounds that the same keruvim were used in the Beit Hamikdash. At that time, hundreds of years later, Bnei Yisrael was already a mature nation, long settled in its land. He prefers the idea that emanates from the gemara in Yoma (54a) that the kohanim would display the keruvim to those who came for the regalim. They would see the forms of the keruvim embracing each other like a young couple, representing Hashem’s love for Bnei Yisrael. The youthful appearance of the figures represents the appeal that a sweet, "baby" look has on those who see it.
Both of these ideas (and others) do not seem to take one important factor into account. Although they have nice explanations of the youth of the keruv that represented Bnei Yisrael, what sense is there for the one that represented Hashem to look so young? (The commentators on the gemara in Yoma dispute whether the two keruvim were identical or whether one was a male figure and the other female. However, I did not see any claim that one looked older than the other.)
The lesson may be a profound, if somewhat dangerous one, if misunderstood. Certainly, Hashem, the Divine and Perfect, is inapproachable to us on an absolute level. "Man cannot see Me and live" (Shemot 33:20). "He is an all-consuming fire" (Devarim 4:24). However, in the Mishkan, Hashem highlighted the elements of His Being that could interface with Bnei Yisrael, ka’veyachol, on our level. Eliyahu Rabba (24) explains that we can follow in Hashem’s footsteps by learning from some of his characteristics. Our parasha teaches us how one accomplishes that and goes about the process of imitatio dei. The meeting place of the two keruvim was the ark that contained the luchot habrit (tablets of the covenant), representing the Torah. The Torah emanates from Hashem and is the representation of His Will, as it finds expression in the physical world. Bnei Yisrael, by accepting, studying and fulfilling the Torah, connect themselves to it as their spiritual lifeline. By being connected to the Torah, we are connected to the "youthful face" of Hashem, those element of His Being that He is able to share with us.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
