1. The Kruvin and Their Symbolism
The Talmud discusses the kruvin—cherubs—that stood atop the Oren—the Ark—in the Kodosh HaKadoshim—the Holy of Holies. It teaches that when the Jewish people fulfilled HaShem’s will, the kruvin faced each other in an embrace, symbolizing a deep love between God and the Jewish people. Conversely, when the people did not do what HaShem wanted, the kruvin turned away from each other, representing HaShem’s dissatisfaction.
This visual dynamic served as a spiritual barometer for the relationship between HaShem and His people. The embrace indicated closeness and favor, while turning away signified distance and disappointment.
2. The Paradox at the Time of Destruction
A question arises from a Medrash: When the Gentiles broke into the Bais HaMikdash—the Holy Temple—and entered the Kodosh HaKadoshim, they found the kruvin embracing each other. They publicized this image throughout the world, mocking the Jewish people for what they perceived as foolishness or inappropriate worship.
This seems paradoxical. If it was a time of destruction, presumably due to Israel not fulfilling HaShem’s will, how could it be that the kruvin were in an embrace? Shouldn’t they have been turned away from each other?
3. Chassidic Insight: Hidden Love in Exile
The Rebbe addresses this question by citing Chassidus, specifically from a sikhe in Chelek Beis on Parshas. He explains that within exile (golus) itself lies a hidden aspect of redemption (geula). The embrace of the kruvin at such a dark moment reflects a deeper truth: even when externally there is distance or punishment, internally there remains an unbreakable bond of love between HaShem and His people.
To illustrate this, he gives an analogy of a teacher who is deeply invested in his students but suddenly receives a flash of inspiration—a new idea. In order to fully grasp and later convey this idea to his students, he must momentarily withdraw his attention from them to focus on capturing it. The more precious and profound the idea, the more he must concentrate inwardly before returning to share it.
4. Golus as Preparation for Geula
Chassidus explains that our experience in golus is not simply punishment or abandonment. Rather, it is akin to that moment when attention is withdrawn only because something greater is being prepared for us—a future revelation that will surpass anything before.
Externally it may seem as though HaShem has distanced Himself, but internally He is preparing for us the ultimate redemption (gilui le'asid lavo—the future revelation). This perspective transforms our understanding of suffering and concealment during exile: it is not merely loss but also preparation for something infinitely greater.
5. Our Response: Thirst and Connection to Hashem
The Rebbe emphasizes two key responses for us during exile. First, we must recognize with certainty that beneath all external concealment lies HaShem’s ongoing love and preparation for redemption. Second, we are called to maintain an intense thirst and connection to HaShem—a binding attachment even when His presence feels hidden.
This connection should be so strong that we desire not just revelation but Atzmus itself—HaShem’s very essence—as was often expressed by Chassidic leaders.
6. Internalizing Exile as Preparation for Redemption
Ultimately, we are encouraged to view golus not only as external concealment but as an inner process preparing us for geula. When we internalize this perspective and truly feel it, we become worthy of seeing its fulfillment revealed openly with the coming of Mashiach.