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When speaking in terms of pleading to Hashem in prayer, the image usually conjured up in one’s mind is of a person with his hands to the sky, eyes closed, calling out to Hashem. Why is this the typical image? Where did it come from?
We find in this week’s Torah portion of Teruma the architectural plans of the Mishkan. By the building of the Keruvim on top of the Aron Kodesh, the Torah writes, “The Keruvim shall be with wings spread upward, sheltering the Cover with their wings with their faces towards one another; towards the Cover shall be the faces of the Keruvim” (Shemos 25:20). The classic understanding of the symbolism of the Keruvim is that it is either a sign of unity or conflict between Hashem and His people. Chaza”l say that a miracle happens when we are unified with Hashem – the two Keruvim face each other. But when we are not doing Hashem’s will as a whole, and we anger Hashem, the Keruvim turn away from each other.
However, the Daas Zekeinim says there is a specific lesson that can be learned from the reason why the wings are spread upward, “above their heads, which is a manner of humility and fear. And their faces were bent down words towards the Cover.” This is exactly the image of a person in prayer pleading to Hashem. This act is supposed to fill one with humility and fear of Hashem. What is it doing on top of the Aron Kodesh (it was also embroidered into the curtain of the Kodesh Hakodashim)? (Click here for Hebrew text.)
The Medrish Pesiksa Rabbasi DiRav Kahana (34:1) brings down a halacha, “Our Rabbis have taught, if one is praying where should he direct his heart? This is what our Rabbis have taught (Brachos 30a) a person should direct his heart towards the Kodesh Hakodashim. Rebbe Eliezer ben Yaakov said if one is praying outside of Israel direct his heart to the Land of Israel. If one is praying in Israel direct his heart to Yerushalayim. If he is praying in Yerushalayim he should direct his heart to the Beis Hamikdash and if he is by the Beis Hamikdash he should direct his heart to the Kodesh Hakodashim.” This Chaza”l is the source of how we should position ourselves during davening, and the Biur on this medrish explains the reason why is because from there is where all the prayers go up to Hashem. (Click here for Hebrew text.)
What follows is that the reason why the Keruvim had their wings extended towards Heaven as a sign of humility and fear is to remind us to have in our prayers that all our prayers go that way, straight up to Hashem.
What is interesting to note is that Keruvim were only found in the Beis Hamikdash by or inside the Kodesh Hakodashim. So not too many people were able to see them to remind themselves to instill fear and humility into their prayers. So how does this help us?
However it would seem, that just knowing that the Keruvim are in the spot where our prayers go up to Heaven can trigger us to make an effect in our hearts, if we focus on this knowledge.
Triggers can be very helpful in remembering and acting upon something sincerely, if one first learns about it and tries to take it to heart. What we also see from here is how far Hashem helps us to create a relationship with Him.