This coming week we read Parashat Terumah which describes the details of the construction of the Tabernacle—the Mishkan—and its appurtenances. Once completed, the Mishkan was to serve as a sanctuary (mikdash) for the divine presence that would henceforth reside among the people (Exodus 25:8).
The most important object within the Mishkan was the ark that housed the stone tablets of the covenant (Exodus 25:16). Above it was the cover (kaporet) and, above the cover, there were two golden cherubim with outstretched wings, one on each end facing downwards toward the ark. It is in the narrow space above the ark and between the cherubim that God would reveal His presence and communicate with Moses (see Exodus 25:22, and I Samuel 4:4, and II Samuel 6:2). But what are these cherubim and what do they symbolize?
Many scholars believe that the word “cherubim” derives from the Akkadian term kuribu that refers to composite figures such as a man-headed bull with eagles’ wings. Such figures often stood outside Mesopotamian temples in ancient times. The name apparently derives from the Akkadian karabu that means “to pronounce formulas of blessings” and “to pray”. Thus, the kuribu advocated to the gods on behalf of the people and guarded the entrance to their temples. In the Torah, these cherubim apparently served multiple functions: to protect the ark beneath them, to welcome God’s presence above them, to represent God’s mobility and to beseech God in prayer.
According to Rabbi Abbahu (see Tractate Sukkah 5b and Rashi on Exodus 25:18), however, the word cherubim derives from the Aramaic word ravya, meaning “child”. Thus, in his view, the cherubim were ke-“like” children. What, then, would be their symbolism?
While, in the physical world, we tend to view muscular men and warriors as symbols of our safety and protection, in the world of the spirit children who represent continuity and future generations may serve as more appropriate symbols. Furthermore, due to their purity and innocence, children may be the best vessels for the welcoming of God’s presence into our midst. Finally, perhaps the prayers of children, who are untainted by the hatred, darkness and evil that pervade the world, are the holiest and most likely to reach the heavens.
Over the past few days, Jews and all decent people around the world have been overwhelmed with grief over two children, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, and their mother Shiri, whom Hamas brutally murdered for the “crime” of living in the Jewish state.
Perhaps, following Rabbi Abbahu, the presence of these pure and innocent children in heaven will remind God of our need for protection, and for His light to shine brightly and sweep away all the darkness that has plagued us down here on earth. And perhaps, upon seeing them and hearing their unspoken words and prayers, God will make sure to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.
May their memory be a blessing.
Shabbat Shalom.
