Torah Portions

The Weekly Torah Portion of Teruma
The Wall of Iron
Adapted from Ein Eyah vol. I, p. 149

In this week's Torah portion, the Torah describes the vehicle for bringing God's Presence in this world: the Tabernacle, the forerunner of the holy Temple in Jerusalem. This sanctuary was a "house of prayer for all peoples", a focal point of Divine service, prayer, and prophecy.

Our  current situation, without the Temple, is one of estrangement. From the day the Temple was destroyed, the Talmud tells us, the gates of prayers were locked, and a wall of iron separates us from our Heavenly Father.  

Why did the Sages describe this loss of contact, this breach of communication, as a "wall of iron"? Why not, for example, a wall of stone?

The metaphor of an iron wall, Rav Kook explained, is precise:

A stone wall is built stone by stone, layer by layer. An iron wall is more complex to construct; but when it is erected, it is set up quickly. The destruction of the Temple and its disastrous ramifications were not gradual, but a sudden, catastrophic setback for the people of Israel, and the entire world.

Further, the fundamental concept of the Temple is the exact opposite of iron. Iron represents war and destruction. It is a material used to shorten life.

The Temple, on the other hand, lengthens life. Its purpose is to spread peace, unity, and enlightenment. The dissonance between iron and the Temple is so great, that iron could not be used to hew the stones used in building the Temple.

With the Temple's destruction, the sweet music of prayer and song ceased. It was replaced with the jarring clamor of iron and steel, reaping destruction and cutting down life. At that tragic time, the ethical influence of the Temple was replaced by the rule of iron. Only when justice and integrity will be restored, when the world will recognize the power of morality and truth, will this "wall of iron" come down; and the Temple will once again take its place as a center of prayer and justice.