Shabbat Shalom - Parshas Terumah

Parshah Terumah

Taanis Esther

11 Adar ....... 25 February

Building the Mishkan

The Ark containing the "Tablets of the Law" was the most secluded of the Mishkan's vessels, hidden away in its innermost chamber, the "Holy of Holies." This expresses the ideal that the Torah scholar (who serves as an "Ark" for the Torah) must remove himself from all worldly endeavors. At the same time, the Ark was also the most "portable" of the Tabernacle's vessels. The Torah decrees that, "The carrying poles shall be in the rings of the Ark; they shall never be removed" (Exodus 25:15) -- a law which applies exclusively to the Ark.

If there is a soul somewhere in the ends of earth thirsting for the word of G-d, the Torah scholar must be prepared to leave his sanctum to transport the Torah to that place. Even as he sits in his "Holy of Holies," he must be always at the ready to venture out, constantly aware of his responsibilities toward the world outside.
(The Lubavitcher Rebbe)