Terumah: Adopting an Angelic Posture

I talk to my Wednesday morning Bible class a lot about being "sensitive readers," by which I mean attentive to (seemingly) minor details, nuance, tone, discrepancies, and other subtle techniques employed by the author(s).

In particular, I like to point out instances where the narrative swiftly whisks through information; implying, perhaps, urgency and "impatience" - a desire to get to something ELSE on the other end. And, on the flip side, occasions where the Torah slows down to a snail's pace, or appears to focus on minutia and repetition; which I understand as the text saying: "Look at this!! This is crucial!" This week, as we learn about the construction of a portable sanctuary in the desert - known as the "Mishkan" or "Tabernacle" - I see one of those devices being deployed to emphasize some truly angelic decorations.

Our parashah, Terumah, describes a ton of implements and ritual objects that the Israelites are expected to fashion. Table covers, poles, menorah, altar, jugs, ladles, cloths, and various other items. One particularly mystical and fascinating component is the Ark of the Covenant.

It's already awe-inspiring by virtue of containing the Ten Commandments, but in addition, God instructs Moses and the Israelites to add some impressive flourishes onto the Ark cover. The text informs our DIY ancestors: "Make two cherubim of gold - make them of hammered work - at the two ends of the cover" (Ex. 25:18). A few years ago, I wrote about how odd it is that the Torah casually says "cherubim" (cherubic angels), as if we all *clearly* know what those are, AND what they look like. You can read that blog post here. But I wanted to return to this section, because the Biblical description, offered in surprisingly precise detail, intrigues me for other reasons as well. The Torah goes on to say: "The cherubim shall have their wings spread out above, shielding the cover with their wings. They shall confront each other, the faces of the cherubim being turned toward the cover" (v. 20). Perhaps you've seen this image before.

I don't want to get too deep into the angelology of these mythical creatures; envisioned by the Torah as bouncers or security guards, protecting the most precious object in the Mishkan. Instead, what I wanted to focus on briefly is their posture. This is a vital detail, not just as a flourish for the Ark Cover, but as a symbol and metaphor for how we encounter the Divine.

Two verses later, God informs Moses that right there - between the two cherubim - is where God will "meet" with Moses. I think, therefore, that it's fair to say the Torah is painstakingly precise about the stance of these angels, because *we too* are encouraged to engage God in this way. So, let's take a few important pointers from the design of these guardians. The Torah says their faces should be turned "one to the other," meaning that even when we're communing with God, we should also engage with those around us. Our concern for the well-being of other people, animals, and indeed the planet needs to ALSO be part of our relationship with God. Second, their wings are spread out in front of them, exposing their torsos. We need to be vulnerable with each other. Relationship, dialogue, and connection all require openness and accessibility. Don't shut yourself off or block others out. Our vulnerability is paramount.

Most importantly, perhaps, is that when we DO these things - when we can connect with all God's creation AND be open and accessible - then God wants to have a one-on-one relationship with each of us.

We do not need intermediaries, distillers, or cryptologists to help us experience God; each one of us can step up between those cherubim and access the Divine. No red velvet rope, VIP-exclusive situation here! In fact, I have often argued that the main message of the *entire* Torah is God seeking relationship and connection with us humans. Much of it is God's struggle to form and maintain bonds. We just don't see it all the time. Which is where it helps to be a sensitive reader of the text. Not only are there lots of hidden meanings and intriguing details buried within this scroll, but the very Book itself is trying to speak to YOU, and invite you to dialogue and be in fellowship with it. If we can be open to this message, and place ourselves in a posture of receptivity and earnest communication, the conversation can begin. Your move.


CC images in this blog post, courtesy of:
1. TexasEagle on Flickr
2. anaterate on Pixabay (Almost certainly *not* what our Biblical ancestors imagined cherubim to look like, btw...)
3. Ivan Radic on Flickr
4. Ted McGrath on Flickr