Exodus 37:8 - Divine presence between keruvim.

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Hebrew Text

כְּרוּב־אֶחָד מִקָּצָה מִזֶּה וּכְרוּב־אֶחָד מִקָּצָה מִזֶּה מִן־הַכַּפֹּרֶת עָשָׂה אֶת־הַכְּרֻבִים מִשְּׁנֵי קצוותו [קְצוֹתָיו׃]

English Translation

one keruv on the end on this side, and another keruv on the other end on that side: out of the covering made he the keruvim at the two ends of it.

Transliteration

Keruv-echad mikaze mize uchruv-echad mikaze mize min-hakaporet asah et-hakeruvim mishenei ktzotav.

Hebrew Leining Text

כְּרוּב־אֶחָ֤ד מִקָּצָה֙ מִזֶּ֔ה וּכְרוּב־אֶחָ֥ד מִקָּצָ֖ה מִזֶּ֑ה מִן־הַכַּפֹּ֛רֶת עָשָׂ֥ה אֶת־הַכְּרֻבִ֖ים מִשְּׁנֵ֥י (קצוותו) [קְצוֹתָֽיו]׃

Parasha Commentary

The Keruvim on the Kapores

The verse describes the placement of the two keruvim (cherubim) on the kapores (cover) of the Ark in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi (Shemos 25:19), the keruvim were fashioned from the same piece of gold as the kapores itself—they were not attached separately but hammered out from the cover. This emphasizes their unity with the Ark, symbolizing the inseparable bond between Hashem and His Torah.

Symbolism of the Keruvim

The Talmud (Chagigah 13b) teaches that the keruvim had the faces of children, representing purity and closeness to Hashem. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) explains that their wings spread upward, signifying spiritual aspiration and divine service. Their positioning—one at each end of the kapores—reflects the balance between justice and mercy, as the Shechinah (Divine Presence) spoke from between them (Shemos 25:22).

Midrashic Interpretations

The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 34:3) states that the keruvim faced each other when Bnei Yisrael fulfilled Hashem’s will, but turned away during times of sin, symbolizing the relationship between Hashem and His people.
Rabbeinu Bachya (Shemos 25:18) notes that the keruvim were made of pure gold, representing the untainted devotion required in serving Hashem.

Halachic Significance

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 98:4) cites the placement of the keruvim as a model for proper focus during prayer—just as they faced the Ark, one should direct their heart toward the Divine Presence. This teaches that physical structures in avodas Hashem (divine service) are not merely decorative but serve as spiritual guides.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 54a

The verse is discussed in the context of the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant and their positioning.

📖 Chagigah 13b

The cherubim are mentioned in a discussion about the divine chariot and mystical interpretations of the Temple's sacred objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the keruvim (cherubim) mentioned in Exodus 37:8?
A: The keruvim were golden angelic figures placed on top of the Ark's cover (kaporet) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi (Exodus 25:18), they had childlike faces and wings spread upward, symbolizing their role in protecting the Divine Presence. The Talmud (Chagigah 13b) teaches they represented the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people.

Q: Why were there two keruvim on the Ark?
A: The two keruvim represented different aspects of our connection to Hashem. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) explains that one keruv symbolized Hashem, while the other symbolized the Jewish people, facing each other to show mutual love. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:11) notes their presence demonstrated Divine protection over Israel.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the keruvim facing each other?
A: The keruvim teach about the importance of relationship - both between people and with Hashem. As the Talmud (Bava Batra 99a) explains, when Jews fulfill Hashem's will, the keruvim faced each other lovingly. This reminds us to always turn toward holiness and maintain loving bonds with others, as we do with Hashem through Torah and mitzvot.