In this week’s Parsha, we find a series of remarkable Mitzvos relating to Shemiras HaMikdash--guarding the Bais HaMikdash. To the unitiated, the concept of a frail human being watching or guarding the House of Hashem, the earthly Abode of the Creator of this World, a Building which is actually mechuvan, parallel, to the Bais HaMikdash Shel Ma’aleh, would seem superfluous and unnecessary. Yet, we find no less than two Mitzvos (a positive commandment and a negative commandment)--in our Parsha relating to its absolute necessity. The Sefer HaChinuch explains that watching or guarding something is a clear indication that the item has value to you. The vigilance and attention you give to a place or thing attaches special importance and significance to it. In the case of the Bais HaMikdash, it is actually Kohanim and Leviim who are given the noble task of providing the appropriate dignity and stateliness to the Holy Place. They are obviously unarmed, boasting not even a bow or arrow, but Chazal teach that if they were caught asleep on their job at night they would be corporally punished (Mesechta Middos 1,2).
There are practical and important lessons for us here.
Firstly, we know that our own Shuls are referred to by the Navi as a Mikdash Me’at--a form, a sample, a replica, of the Bais HaMikdash itself. It is our job to ensure that this Mikdash Me’at is accorded the Shemira--the honor, dignity and distinction it deserves. Does it have to be the janitor who picks up tissues or papers from the floor? Is it only the fanatical fellow who puts together papers strewn over the tables? Isn’t it very wrong to yell across the Shul to a friend even when it isn’t so full--or to telling a joke after davening? Guarding the Palace--being vigilant to safeguard its sanctity and to display its uniqueness and holiness--would seem to dictate otherwise. The person caught sleeping on the job was not given an automatic “second chance,” because a lapse in sanctity is a void in sanctity. We have a special relationship with Hashem, and a special place to especially forge that relationship. We should not allow ourselves to forfeit it to indiscretion, carelessness, and failure to appreciate and make the most of our opportunities. Could you imagine one of the Queen of England’s Honor Guard yawning in front of a huge crowd? Even if it only happened once, where do you think he would be the next day? We are honoring Royalty of an infinitely greater nature, and we are more significant and capable than any man with a rifle in his hand.
Secondly, let us consider how we treat our wallets, our jewelry, and our “special papers” like birth certificates, passports and the like. They are safely placed away in a specially-considered, or otherwise secure, place. No one is spilling coffee on them, and no one is leaving them in his car unattended, or at least carefully locked away. We should consider, in this vein, how our Shemira is for our spiritually valuable items. Do we leave our Tallis and Tefillin in our cars, or overnight in Shul, exposed to any character or situation? How do we treat our Seforim--are they spotted and stained, are the covers or bindings ripped or frayed from use--or from abuse? How do we pick up a Siddur or Chumash, and how and when do we put them away? Do we allow Seforim to be strewn about or interspersed with secular books or objects? A Shomer is responsible for the precious items he is entrusted with--he wouldn’t have been hired if he wasn’t capable of performing the job!
Important Numbers
