Clouds and Fires

Pekude
Exodus 38:21-40:38

Précis: The final parasha of the Book of Exodus begins with an inventory of the items used in the construction of the Tabernacle, as well as the vessels and clothing collected by Moses and Aaron. When the accounts are squared, the completed structure is blessed. The Ark is placed within the Tabernacle, as are the various holy vessels, and a cloud of glory descends and covers the tent.

Exodus 40:36-38 “When the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the Israelites would set out, on their various journeys; but if the cloud did not lift, they would not set out until such time as it did lift. For over the Tabernacle a cloud of Adonai rested by day, and fire would appear in it by night, in the view of all the house of Israel throughout their journeys.”

These verses, coming at the very conclusion of the Book of Exodus, may lead one to wonder why two different types of pillars - one of cloud and one of fire – are used as guiding forces during the decades of travel through the wilderness by the Israelites. A commentary in Etz Hayim suggests that the clouds represent two distinct modes of relating to God. The fire, perhaps with a nod towards the famous Burning Bush, suggests an intimate relationship with God, an “encounter” or a “revelation.” Such “encounters” may be suggestive of our interaction with God during the “peak experiences” in life, such as birth, marriage, death, etc.

On the other hand, the cloud, which seemed to be around much more frequently (since the People did not move on a daily basis) may be an example of more long-lasting interactions, such as the continuing relationships we develop through parenthood or marriage. The two pillars illustrate that God was with the Israelites at the moments of Revelation (encounter), and through the years of their time in the wilderness.

The interconnectedness of the two clouds tells us that we need to seek contact with God not only at “peak” (fire) experiences, but during the “rest” (cloud) of the time, which is inherently more mundane. When things are most cloudy and indistinct, perhaps that is the most important time to look for contact with God (and with our fellow human beings) as a reminder about what is possible. Shabbat Shalom.