Holy Ark

The holiest of all the vessels built in the Mishkan, was the Aron Kodesh, or, Holy Ark. it was actually a pretty small object.

It was big enough to hold the second tablets of the Ten Commandments, as well as the broken fragments from the first tablets. There was also a shelf that was made for a Torah scroll written by Moshe, himself.

It was the symbolism of this object that made it so special. It was housed in the area of the Temple known as קודש הקדשים, the Holy of Holies. There were two angel like figures, placed on top of it. There were three boxes, one inside the other, of which the Aron was constructed. The two outer boxes were made of gold, with middle box made of wood. It was covered with gold on the inside and out.

The Holy Ark was the symbol of Torah. It taught the idea of truth and integrity. Just like there was gold on the inside and outside, every individual needed to be the same on the inside and outside.

He must not be one who is one way in his heart, and another way with his mouth. No hypocrisy or phoniness was tolerated.

It also contained a crown like lattice work surrounding it. This represented the Crown of Torah that is available to every Jew. Not everyone can be a king or a priest, but everyone can acquire the Torah.

This crown is called זר זהב. The Rabbis commented on this and said that if one merits Torah, it is a crown. If he does not, it becomes זר, or estranged from him.

It is clear that the Aron Kodesh was the holiest of all Temple vessels. Its message of truth, purity, and connecting to Torah, are the lofty ideals represented by it.