כ״ב:י״ח - וְעָשִׂ֛יתָ שְׁנַ֥יִם כְּרֻבִ֖ים זָהָ֑ב מִקְשָׁה֙ תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה אֹתָ֔ם מִשְּׁנֵ֖י קְצ֥וֹת הַכַּפֹּֽרֶת׃
Make two cherubim of gold—make them of hammered work—at the two ends of the cover.
Rashi says that the כרבים had the faces of children. Are there any other interpretations of what the כרבים looked like? What does it mean that they should make כרובים? What is the significance of them? Why two? Is there a deeper meaning behind the two כרובים?
According to rabbi sacks, the significance of the cherubim is that they face towards each other, and their wings protect the Aron. However, what they really are is remained concealed. So too, we as Jews face each other in our similarities, but our truths are hidden. We “ extend our wings” to protect the Torah and our service to hashem. I really like this idea because it really connects to our daily lives. We are all connected by our Torah learning and our desires to be good Jews.
ReplyDeleteThe Arbrabanel says the Kruvim on the Aaron represented 2 unblemished children who never sinned. One of the Kruvim had the face of a girl and the other of a boy symbolizing that every man and women in Bnei Yisroel from when they were kids should be constantly learning Torah day and night by either doing the mitzvot or reading it; and only by doing this a person will accomplish success and happiness in their life. I really like this idea because it shows that the objects that were made in the Mishkan like the Kruvim really connect to our daily lives as Jews - like keeping the mitzvot and learning Torah.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the significance of the כרובים? Rav Hirsch explains that the כרובים represent the revelation of Hashem, and if Hashem is revealed to us, it will be a reminder to us to follow the rules of Hashem. If everyone follows in the rules of Hashem, it can allow for us to live in a גן עדן state of life. (This also connects to why we see the words כרובים mentioned in בראשית at the time of גן עדן). Additionally this is why the כרובים are on top of the לוחות, the לוחות are Hashems ultimate set of rules, and by looking at the כרובים and therefore also looking at the לוחות, we see and are encouraged to follow what Hashem gave us, and bring ourselves into a time of harmony. I like this answer because it not only tells us why the כרובים are significant, but it also is able to connect the כרובים to other things within the משכן.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the Rabbeinu Bechayei,
ReplyDeletethe keruvim facing towards show respect for Hashem. It reveals the idea that no one is worthy of looking directly at gd. To stand before gd, one needs the characteristic of humility.
I like this idea because it shows how hashem is really powerful and we have to remember constantly that he is our gd and we have to respect him and by having the 2 faces facing downward, it represensts we have to have always respect Hashem and keep his Torah and Mitzvot and always honor him.
What did the Cherubim look like? A Gemara in Sukkah gives a similar answer to Rashi, that they had the faces of children. But what is the significance of this? One source says that the touching wings symbolize the love between God and His people. Another source suggests that they represent two Chevrutas in a Beit Midrash having a discussion. I really like the last opinion because although it doesn’t connect to the children’s faces it provides a modern connection to a Biblical situation.
ReplyDeletehttps://thetorah.com/the-cherubim/
(Rav Katina, Ba’al Ha’Turim)
Are there any other interpretations of what the כרבים looked like?
ReplyDeleteIbn Ezra says that the word כרוב means form meaning that the Torah doesn’t specify what the form is other than that it has wings. He also adds that in berashit it describes כרובים that where placed outside of gan eden and that they were frightening images. I like this answer because Because it’s a very simple answer and makes sense with the actual meaning of the word כרובים
Rabbi Jay Spero answers the question of what is the significance of the Keruvim in the Mishkan? First, the Keruvim had the face of a young boy and a young girl. We learn from this one of the most beautiful qualities found in children: the trait of curiosity. As Jews, we shouldn’t have a “blind faith”, but rather we are meant to investigate, and the reasons for things in the Torah. The Kruvim symbolize this important quality which we must instill in ourselves and in our children. The Keruvim also have wings that reach over there heads. This teaches us that we must constantly aspire to reach upwards and to strive to become the best Jew we can be.
ReplyDeletehttp://jbuff.com/d030101.htm
Unlike most other mipharshim who say that the kruvim are two birds, or two children’s faces, Rav Yaakov Ben Asher, the Ba’al haTurim, suggests another opinion. He believes that the two kruvim which are said to have faces and wings, are two study partners in a beit midrash, learning from one another. I really like this answer because I think it is such a beautiful and fitting symbolism to have over the aron kodesh, where the Torah is kept.
ReplyDeleteSource: https://thetorah.com/the-cherubim/
The Chizkuni explains that the kruvim resembled a certain type of bird. However, the Torah restricts us from creating anything that seems to be a creature on earth or of the sky, since it could be used for avoda zara. But in this case, the kruvim remained hidden in the Beit Hamikdash. Then the Chizkuni goes on to say the different places in which something is forbidden until there is an exception, due to a new version that is made. One example he brings is the fact that we are not allowed to work on shabbos. However, some rabbis work on shabbos, in schul, each week. I really like this answer, because he doesn’t only explain what the kruvim were, but he brings different examples to support his answer.
ReplyDelete