Eikev

In parshas Eikev, Moshe Rabbeinu continues to recount events of the journey through the desert. A central part of Moshe's monologue is the description of events surrounding the giving of the first set of Luchos, the subsequent breaking of those Luchos, followed by the giving of the second set of Luchos. During this monologue, the Torah utilizes three different terms in describing the Luchos. At times, the Luchos are referred to as Luchos; at times they are called Luchos avanim- Luchos of stone; and at times they are referred to as Luchos Habris- Luchos of the covenant.

Before Moshe Rabbeinu receives the second set of Luchos, he is commanded to fashion an Ark in which the Luchos can be placed. Moshe builds this Ark prior to his ascent to receive the second Luchos. Interestingly, the Torah utilizes three different terms in describing the Ark. At times, the Ark is referred to as Aron; at times it is called Aron Etz- the Ark of wood; and at times it is referred to as Aron Bris Hashem- the Ark of the covenant of Hashem. It seems that the three terms utilized to describe the Luchos parallel the three terms utilized to describe the Aron. One term (Luchos and Aron) seems to be a bland description; one term (Luchos avanim and Aron etz) seems to focus on the physical attributes; and one term (Luchos habris and Aron bris Hashem) emphasize the spiritual significance of these items. What is the significance of these terms?

The first set of Luchos were given with great fanfare. Kolos uverakim, v'hahar bo'er ba'aish, Moshe yedabeir v'ha'Elokim ya'anenu vekol. The second set of Luchos were given with more modesty. They were received on Yom Kippur, a solemn day of introspection and repentance. Both events were great events in the annals of Jewish history. Bnei Yisrael did not react to the giving of the first Luchos properly but that does not diminish the awesomeness of the event. Nonetheless, lessons can be learned from each event independently as well as the totality of the rubric called Matan Torah.

The terms utilized to describe the Luchos as well as the Aron Kodesh are explaining something quite simple. The Luchos and the Aron are great in their own right. However, what one accomplishes through them is dependent upon his/her attitude towards them. The Torah has great potential within it. Nonetheless, it is given in as bland a way as something so special can be given. It is Luchos, placed in an Aron. The question that each individual needs to answer is: will I look at the Luchos and the Aron as stones and wood, as physical items that are placed in a shul or on shelves; or will I turn the Luchos and the Aron into Luchos Habris and Aron Bris Hashem, spiritual pillars that supply the sustenance to achieve the greatest levels of avodas Hashem? If the lessons of the Torah are not internalized then the Luchos are merely physical stones that can be shattered. However, if the Luchos become Luchos habris then even when attempts are made to destroy the physical manifestation of that covenant, we are assured that osyos porchos - the letters continue to live on, aiding and supporting us in our continuous avodas Hashem.

Moshe's charge to us is to accept the Luchos and place them in the Aron, to guard the physical manifestation of each and to internalize the spiritual potential that they deliver, turning that spiritual potential into actual, tangible actions so that our spiritual lives attach themselves to real, physical actions, and our physical lives are constantly imbued with spirituality and kedusha.