This coming Tuesday (known as Tisha B’Av), we mourn and commemorate the destruction of both Temples that stood in Jerusalem some 2000 years ago.

The Temples were beautifully constructed with an intricate design, befitting the headquarters of Jewish consciousness and spirituality. Only the best materials were used to build G-d’s home.

 

However, there is one material that is somewhat surprising. The Torah instructs us to make the holy vessels using gold, silver, and copper. Gold and silver are both beautiful and it’s perfectly logical that they were included. Copper, on the other hand, is an inferior metal. Why was it included in the building of the holiest place on earth?

 

The answer relates to another Temple secret. Beyond its structure the Temple also served as a formula and a guide of how we build our own inner sanctuary within ourselves, to make our body, personality, and environment a home for G-d. In Kabbalah, gold and silver represent our two primary emotions: Chesed and Gevurah (love and strength/discipline). In our relationship with G-d we need to feel and express our love for Him and have the discipline and strength to adhere to His moral code.

 

Copper represents our failings and weaknesses. They too must become part of the beauty of the Temple structure. Unique to the human being is the power of growth and constant development and improvement. Our failings and weaknesses are not just an interruption in the journey. They become part of the voyage of life and the catalyst for true growth. Our mistakes cannot just be discarded- they are teachable moments and they become a foundation for greater inner strength, determination and conviction.

 

The true beauty of our own temple comes from the copper. The greatest growth comes from including those moments and experiences when we were not able to follow through in our commitment. Our mistakes and failings become the splendour of our inner Temple.

 

Wishing you a good Shabbos and an easy fast.

 

Rabbi Michoel Gourarie

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