The journeys and experiences of the Jewish people in the desert represent the spiritual journey of the soul. After receiving the Torah, the Jewish people were instructed to construct the Mishkan; the temporary structure where the Divine Presence rested within the camp. The Torah describes in detail the design of both the Mishkan and its Keilim (the vessels used in the Temple service) which were contained within it.
On the soul-level, building a Mishkan is transforming our hearts, bodies and souls into a resting place for G-dliness. The commentaries ascribe great significance to the design, structure and materials used in the Mishkan's construction. In a metaphorical sense, the physical blueprint as described in the Torah becomes the guide for our spiritual self-construction.
Three of the primary vessels, the Ark, the Shulchon (Shewbread table) and the Incense Altar, had what is referred to as a Zeir. The Zeir was a gold trimming, like a crown, which served as a decorative feature on the top of these vessels. In a the spiritual sense, the Zeir is far from just ornamental.
The Talmud tells us that Aharon came and took the crown of the Altar and David took the crown of the Table. The crown of the Ark however, remains in its place, free for all who wish to take it. This vague teaching is alluding to the teaching in the Ethics of our Fathers that three crowns exist: The crown of Torah, the crown of Priesthood and the crown of the monarchy.
The crown of priesthood was taken by Aharon and his descendants. This is the crown of the Incense Altar, since the incense offering was one of the most important Temple services, reserved only for Kohanim. The monarchy is the exclusive right of King David and his descendants. This is the crown of the Table, a sign of the physical prosperity associated with royalty.
However the crown of Torah (the Ark) does not belong exclusively to any tribe or family. The Torah is the inheritance of every Jew, regardless of our lineage or status. The crown of Torah is free for the taking. All we need to do is study it. Just as the Ark was the focal point of the entire Mishkan, the crown of Torah is the greatest of the three.
Whilst these vessels each have a crown, their similarity ends there. On closer examination, we see that all of the measurements of the Ark (height, length and width) are ‘broken' measures i.e. they comprise half cubits measures. The Shulchon however has both ‘half' and ‘whole' measures. The Ark and the Shulchon represent the two seemingly-conflicting aspects of our existence; the body and the soul.
When approaching the Ark aspects of our lives - our connection to Torah and spirituality - we must feel a sense of being incomplete. The spiritual seeker strives for constant growth, never satisfied with his previous accomplishments. Recognising our spiritual lackings is the impetus for future spiritual growth. A half-measure mind frame is the key to attaining the crown of Torah.
When it comes to the Shulchon, representing one's physical needs, our perspective should be just the opposite. We must view ourselves, like the Shulchon as having ‘whole units' or as our sages teach; to be satisfied with what we have. At the same time, as spiritually-focused beings, we should not indulge our every material desire. On the contrary, we are encouraged to break our appetite for materialism and develop a thirst for spirituality. This dual mind frame is alluded to in the 'whole' and 'broken' measurements of the Table.
The spiritual blueprint of the Mishkan, teaches us how we can transform our lives into a conduit for the open revelation of G-dliness and the manifestation of our soul. After all, this was G-d's intention when He commanded us to build the Mishkan; Make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell within them.

 

~ Rabbi Yoni Johnson

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