In tribute to Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein O.B.M.
PARSHAS TERUMA
Good Shabbos! Our portion details the construction of the Mishkan - the Tabernacle which traveled with the Jews in the desert. The focal point of the tabernacle was the Ark which housed the Ten Commandments and, some say, a Torah Scroll.
How apropos to read this week, as I just took part in the completion of the writing of a Torah Scroll this past Sunday in memory of my teacher and Rav, Rabbi Zelig Sharfstein of blessed memory. Rabbi Sharfstein served as Chief Rabbi of Cincinnati for over 40 years, after the passing of Rabbi Eliezer Silver of blessed memory. Rabbi Sharfstein was often referred to as a Rabbi’s Rabbi for his mentorship and guidance to many Rabbis, including myself.
The portion says, “Vasu Aron Atzay Sheetim - And you shall make the Ark of acacia wood.” (Shemos 25:10) Why was wood chosen as the principle component of the Ark? The answer may be based on the famous verse from Proverbs which states: “The Torah is a tree of life for all those who uphold it” (Proverbs 3:18). Furthermore, the density of the acacia tree indicates a firm resolve to follow and adhere to all of the laws and teachings of the Torah.
The portion goes on to say that “The Ark shall be covered with pure gold, on both the inside and the outside”. (ibid. 25:11). Rashi explains that the Ark was actually constructed by making three separate boxes, two of gold, one of wood. The wooden was placed inside of a gold one with a second golden box being placed inside of the wooden one, so that the wooden box of the Ark was covered with gold, both inside and out.
The Gemara teaches that any scholar whose inside does not resemble his outside is not truly a scholar at all. (Yuma 72b) By this measure, Rabbi Sharfstein was indeed a scholar par excellance!
There are many Rabbis who are great scholars on the inside but don’t necessarily have the ability to share that learning with those who aren’t fellow scholars. Others seem to be beautiful on the outside but when you look to their inside they lack a degree of true Torah understanding and application.
Rabbi Sharfstein had both. He was knowledgeable in most every field of Torah study and was able to quickly and accurately understand who he was talking to and how best to help them accept and follow the laws of Torah Judaism.
I saw this skill in Rabbi Sharfstein on numerous occasions. I remember how he assisted Max Krietman in having his store be accepted by the entire community as kosher. Rabbi Sharfstein would never say things like: “You must do this” or “You must change that” but would rather say “We should look into changing this item to a similar item which everyone could accept and would probably have a higher profit margin”.
I remember him interacting with a group of community leaders who wanted to see Four Courts, our Jewish Home for the Elderly, be “less strict” about keeping kosher. They complained that it was disrespectful to the residents if they could not bring in non kosher items such as birthday cakes. Rabbi Sharfstein smiled and said “I understand your point of view, but please, consider these two points”.
1. There are over 200 homes for the elderly across the state of Kentucky that serve non-kosher and only 1 that serves kosher. If someone needs to eat non-kosher food they have many options while the kosher resident has only one option. Therefore, the home must always remain strictly kosher.
- 2. Although the kitchen and dining area must remain strictly supervised as kosher there is no requirement for a resident’s personal room to be supervised. Therefore, any type of food or gift would be able to be brought to someone and shared with them in their room.
This combination of strength and wisdom enabled his words to be accepted and followed.
“A good Rabbi,” he once told me, “needed to learn from Moses to be humble and caring for all, yet to be unwavering in fulfilling and transmitting Torah law in its fullest measure.” On one hand, a Rabbi has to be firm and make no compromises. Yet on the other hand, Torah should always be presented in a pleasant way for all to accept.
The Temple Ark was a juxtaposition of sorts. On one hand it was the most secluded of all the vessels in the Tabernacle, hidden away within the Holy of Holies. This teaches us that a true Torah scholar, to serve as an “Ark” for the Torah, must remove himself from all worldly endeavors.
However, at the same time, the Ark was also the most portable of all the components in the Tabernacle. In fact, the portion clearly states: “You shall make wooden poles covered in gold. The poles shall be place in rings on the side of the Ark to carry it. These poles shall never be removed from the rings. (ibid 25: 13-15)
This teaches us that a true Torah scholar must be ready at all times to reach out from his personal Holy of Holies and transport the Torah to whatever place it is needed. That is why, I believe, in 1983 Rabbi Sharfstein accepted the added responsibility of guiding our local Vaad Hakashruth and helping to arrange for all of the kosher requirements that were necessary here. He faithfully served our Vaad for over 25 years, until his passing one year ago tonight. The Vaad continues to use his son-in-law, Rabbi Moshe Gutnick, head of the Bet Din in Sydney, Australia, as our Rabbinical guide according to the teachings and interpretations taught by Rabbi Sharfstein.
May we all faithfully grasp to the Torah, the Divine Tree of Life, and may we all enjoy its fruits and blessings, and let us say, Amain.
Tags: Ark, Aron, Torah Scholar
