Bamidbar: Spiritual Transitions
Liluei Nishmas Ita bas Chanoch Aharon Bistritzky
In Parshas Bamidbar, we learn about the roles of the Levites in taking apart the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and moving it from place to place until they reached Eretz Israel. Before carrying these holy items, the high priests (kohanim), who were more spiritually elevated than the Levites, had to wrap these items in special coverings. The Torah emphasizes that the Levites were prohibited from wrapping the vessels themselves. Moreover, they were forbidden even to witness the kohanim performing this wrapping. This prohibition was so severe that violating it was a matter of life and death. But what underlies this stringent commandment? What was so perilous about the Levites observing the wrapping of these holy items?
The fear was that not everyone could handle witnessing something holy being made mundane and restored to its sacred status. By its nature, Holiness is often perceived as untouchable, mysterious, and exalted—kept at a distance from everyday life. When called upon to assist in the practicalities of moving these holy objects, there is an inherent risk of diminishing their perceived sanctity. Once something holy is brought down to the mundane level, restoring it to its former exalted status becomes challenging.
An illustrative story involves the Rebbe Rashab and a devoted Chassid, whom he asks to become his secretary. The chassid hesitated, fearing that proximity to the Rebbe’s everyday matters—handling his bills, assisting with his medical needs—might diminish his reverence for the Rebbe’s spiritual stature.
Our spiritual growth often involves disassembling and reassembling our beliefs, much like the journey of the Aron. This process helps us move from childhood innocence to mature faith. It’s important to challenge our beliefs constructively and keep our spirituality dynamic. Re-evaluation is not inherently negative; it reflects a necessary adaptation. Just as the holy vessels had to be disassembled and reassembled for the journey, so must our spiritual practices evolve to reach their ultimate destination.
Adapted from Life Talks on the Parsha