Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'ark of the Testimony' mentioned in Exodus 40:3?
A: The 'ark of the Testimony' (אֲרוֹן הָעֵדוּת) refers to the Ark that held the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were given at Mount Sinai. According to Rashi, it is called the 'Testimony' because the tablets serve as a testimony to the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: What was the purpose of the veil (פָּרֹכֶת) in front of the Ark?
A: The veil (פָּרֹכֶת) served as a divider between the Holy of Holies (where the Ark was placed) and the rest of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Talmud (Yoma 51b) explains that it was meant to create a separation, emphasizing the sanctity of the Ark and the space where the Divine Presence rested.
Q: Why was the Ark placed in the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: The Ark was placed in the Mishkan to symbolize Hashem's presence among the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 4:1) teaches that the Mishkan, and later the Temple, served as a dwelling place for the Shechinah (Divine Presence), with the Ark as its focal point.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the covering of the Ark with the veil?
A: The covering of the Ark teaches us about the importance of treating holy objects with reverence. Just as the Ark was concealed to protect its sanctity, we learn from the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) that we must approach sacred matters with humility and respect.
Q: Does this verse have any relevance today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the physical Ark or the Mishkan, the principles of reverence for holiness still apply. The Talmud (Berachot 8a) teaches that synagogues and study halls are considered 'miniature sanctuaries,' reminding us to treat them with the same respect as the Mishkan.
Placement of the Aron HaEidut (Ark of the Testimony)
The verse (Shemot 26:34) commands placing the Aron HaEidut (Ark of the Testimony) inside the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies) and covering it with the Parochet (veil). Rashi explains that this instruction follows the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), emphasizing the centrality of the Aron as the dwelling place of the Divine Presence (Shechinah). The Aron contained the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant), symbolizing the eternal bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.
Symbolism of the Parochet (Veil)
The Parochet served as a separation between the Kodesh HaKodashim and the rest of the Mishkan. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 4:1) notes that this division reflects the sanctity of the space housing the Aron, accessible only to the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) teaches that the Parochet also represents the distinction between the physical and spiritual realms, reminding us that while Hashem's presence permeates creation, His essence remains concealed.
The Aron as a Metaphor for Torah Study
Chazal (Yoma 72b) derive from this verse that just as the Aron was overlaid with gold inside and out, a Torah scholar must embody Torah values both internally and externally. The Aron HaEidut thus becomes a model for integrity—our inner convictions must align with our outward actions.