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By Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky,
B’nei Israel Congregation, Costa Rica

Translated by Inés Baum - Proofreading by Ellen Zindler

This week’s parashah is the first on a long list of texts that, with some exceptions, deal with the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the rituals connected with it. Specifically in our parashah, God orders the building of the Tabernacle and the utensils that will be contained therein. The Aron, the Ark, the chest that would guard the Torah Tablets or Testimony (Edut), according to Ibn Ezra’s interpretation.

Concerning the Ark, God says to Moses: “And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it...” (Exodus 25:11). It is understandable that the furniture which would contain the concrete symbol of the covenant between God and the people of Israel should have gold-paneled walls, a precious and attractive material. However, the need to coat the Ark’s inside walls in pure gold is odd, since these would only be seen on the rare occasions when the Ark would be opened. Why spend so much money on something meant to be concealed?

This question was already lodged by our sages in the Talmud (Yoma 72b). They understood that the Torah wanted to teach us a lesson regarding the Talmidei chachamim, the sages, who are metaphorically seen as the guardians of the Torah. They, as the Ark itself, must be as pure on the outside as they are on the inside, avoiding hypocrisy and practicing honesty. Sages and teachers should be an example not just in public but also in private; they should always be fearful of God and act in accordance with what they preach.

I would like to add to this beautiful lesson advice for all of us: just as we invest in our outward appearance, should we invest in our inner appearance as well. We all spend money and time on preserving and improving our looks: we exercise, we go on diets, and we try to dress appropriately every day; we bathe, shave, wear make-up, comb our hair, etc. Moreover, when we are supposed to appear before other people, we devote a while to improving our appearance. Counting the net time we spend devoted to making ourselves better looking would be a good exercise; the results would surely surprise us.

We might then ask: how much time do we invest in bettering ourselves “on the inside”? Do we try to cultivate our spirit and beautify our soul with the same perseverance? We should always include in our agendas a time to read, to enjoy uplifting music, to study, to debate, to think, etc. This principle is very clear in our tradition, and it was stated by the wise Shammai when he said: Aseh Toratcha keba, “Make your Torah study a regular practice” (Mishnah Avot 1:15). Circumstantial study is not enough; the lessons we can obtain by studying “on our free time” are not enough. We are asked to make a specific effort to devote time and money to the development of our spirit.

Just as the Ark containing the Testimony Tablets was covered in pure gold on the inside and outside, we as well should strive to better ourselves not only in our outward appearance. Even if only we can perceive it, the difference is abysmal.

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Forwarded by Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik, from Kol Shearith Israel Congregation, Panama.
Translated by Inés Baum and proofread by Ellen Zindler, from B’nei Israel Congregation, Costa Rica.

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