The Cherubim

The Ark, we learn this week, was topped by two Cherubim, which had the faces of children. The Abarbanel wonders how this image was permitted and not banned as a “molten image”. His answer is that the same Torah that forbids images, made an allowance in thus case for such an image. The question we need to ponder is what are we taught by the child-like image atop the Holy Ark.

Rabbi Reuven Margolis views this all in a symbolic fashion. The Ark symbolizes ethical perfection. It is important to achieve ethical perfection. However, the Cherub image of children “tops” all else. We have the ultimate task of teaching Jewish values and ethical teachings to our children, as they represent the future. In a similar vein, the great teacher, Rabbi Meir Shapiro once stated that the Cherubs must be made of gold, not silver or other metals. When we act for our children, we must do so with a “golden” approach.

I once saw a quote that “Children are G-d’s promise of the future. ” A rabbi who was known as being very much at ease with children was the late Rabbi Yaakov Kaminetzky. His smile and warmth when he interfaced with children was legendary. Rabbi Kaminetzky was once asked why he had this affinity for children. His answer was simple: “They are generations closer to the Messiah than I am.”