“In the rings of the ark shall the staves be; and not removed from it.” (Shemos 25:15)
A number of the vessels of the Mishkan had rings into which poles were inserted so they might be carried. Only the Aron, in which rested the luchos, had a special commandment that the staves never be removed. If one removes them, he is liable not only for violating a positive command, but he has violated a negative one as well. What was unique about these poles that they had to remain attached always?
The Chizkuni gives a practical suggestion, aside from the fact that due to its sanctity, Hashem didn’t want them removed. He says that there was no reason to remove them as they were not in anyone’s way. The altar was situated in the courtyard, where people were moving around, and its staves would make people walk around them. Therefore, they were only inserted when it was time to move it.
The poles of the aron, however, which was situated in the Kodesh Kedoshim, would only affect the Kohain Gadol a few times, only on one day a year. Therefore, there was no reason to remove them, and based on its holiness, the aron was left as it was.
However, there’s also another interesting difference between the aron and the other vessels. The purpose of the various rings and staves was to carry the vessels. Regarding the aron, Chazal tell us that though the Kohanim appeared to carry it, in actuality, the ark carried those “who carried it.” In essence, these poles were not truly for carrying the aron at all, but to enable those men to be carried.
The deeper lesson and meaning behind this, relates to our connection to Torah and the aron which represents it. Torah is a gift from Hashem to us. Through it, we are able to come close to Him, and begin to understand what Hashem wants from us. The supporters of Torah are supported by it, and it is the source of their financial blessing.
More than that, Torah is our support and enables us to carry on with life in the face of the vicissitudes (instability) it brings us. Torah is our constant, and helps us set our paths by it. When the Jews in Egypt were unable to hear Moshe’s announcement that their redemption was at hand because of shortness of breath and hard labor, the Ohr Chaim teaches us something astounding.
He says, “Perhaps it was because they weren’t [yet] b’nai Torah, so they were called “short of spirit,” because Torah broadens a person’s heart.” What this means is that Torah enables us to be calm and cope with things we couldn’t otherwise. It truly carries those who “carry it” inside them. This, then, explains why the aron must always be ready to carry – so it can uplift and carry us forward through any situation.
In Czarist Russia, a man had to visit the capital city, but was afraid. The rampant anti-Semitism was even harsher in large cities and he feared for his life. Though he would wear a hat and not appear overtly Jewish, he feared he would be beaten, or worse.
He went to his Rebbe, and asked for protection. "Hashem is with His children at all times, you need not be afraid," said the Rabbi. "But, Rebbe," pleaded the man, "I need extra protection, you must help me." The sage said nothing but rose and went into his private study, returning with a small velvet pouch. From it, he pulled a small, burnished gold disc, which looked like a small shield. "Carry this with you, and remember that Hashem is your protector."
The man was overjoyed and carefully put the pouch into his pocket. His trip to the capital was not only safe, but the extra confidence he had made it more successful than he had imagined. Upon his return, he thanked the Rebbe for the shield. "This worked so well," said the traveler, "where did you acquire it?"
"It was Hashem who protected you, my child," said the Rebbe. "As for this," he said, reattaching the disc to the front of his pocket watch, "I bought it from Mendel the watchmaker."
