The previous week’s Torah portion describes the blasphemous worship of the golden calf. (Read it here.) The ancient interpreters saw the episode as the original sin of the Israelite people. As the story is revisited in the Bible and then by the rabbis, it was such a drastic violation of God’s sanctity and covenant that subsequent generations were impacted. Some traditional Jews say that we are still suffering the consequences today.
Given this, it’s surprising that only a few chapters later this week’s Torah portion describes the construction of a different kind of golden creature to cover the ancient tabernacle’s ark. Golden winged Cherubim. These cherubs are a far cry from the chubby babies of Valentine’s Day cards. These creatures may have had human bodies or those of an animal. The text is not entirely clear.
Why is one golden statue acceptable and incorporated into the ark and the other apostasy that violates the Divine covenant? They actually have more in common than one might think from the Torah’s treatment. Both were seen as the conduit that brought God’s presence close. There are many accounts of gods seated on calves in other ancient religions and the wings of the cherubim were the symbolic resting place for God in the Temple. Psalm 18 even speaks of God riding a cherub much like Khaleesi rode her dragons (for you Game of Thrones fans!). The calf came to symbolize the yearning after foreign gods, while the cherubim are forever a symbol of Adonai’s presence. Though one golden creature adorned the Temple and the other was ground to dust, the yearnings that led to both are familiar even to us moderns: it was to bring God close. That is an enduring human emotion.
If the presence of God is love, comfort, order, healing, strength, compassion, and hope are we any different from our ancient forebears? If we could, would we not exercise every effort to bring God’s presence into our own lives. As Shabbat approaches and the candles are lit, the wine is poured, our loved ones gather, we too seek to bring that comforting Divine presence into our homes. While the context of these ancient stories is difficult for us to grasp, the human yearning is universal. Take a moment this evening or tomorrow to bring God close—allow the feeling of security and love that can be our sense of God’s presence to fill your heart and embrace the Shalom/peace that is Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom.
— Rabbi Ron Stern