A Hug From Hashem

Yehoshua 3;4-17

After assigning the respective roles to the Kohanim and Leviim concerning the transport of the Aron, the shotrim further instructed the Bnei Yisrael to keep a distance of approximately 2000 Amos from the Aron.¹

As previously discussed, proximity to the Aron can be more detrimental than beneficial. Yet, maintaining excessive distance was also not advisable. Therefore, the directive was to remain approximately 2000 Amos distant.

When one is deeply immersed in an experience, its profound significance might elude them. It is only upon stepping back that one can fully comprehend and appreciate its importance. This rationale underpinned the necessity for a spatial separation between the Aron and the people.²

Upon concluding their technical directives, the Shotrim gave way to Yehoshua, who transitioned to more spiritual guidance.

Yehoshua then told the people to prepare for the next day, this may mean physically³ or spiritually⁴. He then instructed the Kohanim to begin carrying the Aron ahead of the people and to proceed into the Yarden. Yet, once they reached the riverbed, they were to halt. Miraculously, upon their entry into the Yarden, the waters solidified into a wall, while the residual waters streamed towards the Dead Sea. Once they were in the middle, they stopped and allowed the nation to cross the riverbed before them. They had to do this as the Aron was what was causing the water to remain split.

While learning this, I was trying to envision the scene. The Yarden is not a particularly wide river; indeed, at numerous points, one could feasibly leap from one bank to the other. The pasuk tells us that the Bnei Yisrael crossed near Yericho, specifically adjacent to the towns of Adam and Tzaretan. Historically, this location holds significance; it is the very site where Yaakov Avinu transitioned from Sukkos to Schem. Later, Shlomo HaMelech ventured to this region to extract copper for the construction of the Beis HaMikdash.⁵

The Megaleh Amukos teaches a phenomenal insight.⁶ When Moshe begged for permission to enter Eretz Yisrael, the phrase he used was אעברה־נא, which he translates let me cross over the נ’א, which is an acronym for Fifty Amos. In response, Hashem declared לא תעבר את־הירד’ן הזה, meaning 'You will not cross this Yarden.' As elaborated by the Megaleh Amukos, this was a specific reference to Moshe not crossing even this 50-Amos wide section of the river, as denoted in the acronym of ירדן , to go down 50 Amos. Rav Moshe Weinberger explains further that Yarden is also the acronym for ירד דין. This represents the boundary line of Din (justice), and beyond this point begins the domain of Chesed (loving-kindness). Moshe embodied the principles of Din, championing the uncompromising adherence to Halacha. Due to this strict alignment with Din, he was unable to transition into a realm governed by Chesed, and thus was unable to cross the Yarden.

When the Kohanim stopped with the Aron to allow everyone to cross, it appears the people came much closer to the Aron than the previously stated directive of maintaining a 2000 amos distance. Interestingly, Rashi mentions that because the people had prepared themselves adequately, they were miraculously able to walk between the poles of the Aron, which was only a 1.5 Amos-wide space. This is a rare instance where we observe a confined space accommodating more than its natural capacity. However, Radak believes such an interpretation is improbable, arguing that if it were true, it would be clearly stated. Rav Yaakov Kamenetzky further expands on Rashi's perspective, suggesting that such an event is so extraordinary that it's beyond our understanding, which is why it might not be explicitly detailed in the pesukim.

Rav Yitzchak Eizik Chaver⁷ elaborates that the more the Shechina is present in a location, the less that place adheres to the natural laws. Hence, between the poles of the Aron — the very resting place of the Shechina — natural laws cease to dominate.

The Mishbetzos Zahav interprets this experience of passing between the Aron's poles as a hug from Hashem. This gesture from Hashem conveyed to Bnei Yisrael that, as they entered Eretz Yisrael, facing battles and challenges, He would always be by their side. This assurance isn't only for that moment but extends to every struggle for Eretz Yisrael, reminding us of Hashem's constant presence.

Living in Eretz Yisrael is truly a privilege. As the dwelling place of the Shechina, this land is intrinsically miraculous. While it may not always be evident how things operate in this blessed land, they do — not because of the laws of nature, but because we are in the realm of Chesed. If you do not have the privilege of living in Eretz Yisrael, you must realize that it's not merely about making ends meet or adapting to a new educational or religious system. Residing here is about embracing a life filled with miracles. Cross your Yarden, transition from din to chesed, and come back home.⁸

May we consistently witness the kindness and wondrous nature of Eretz Yisrael as Klal Yisrael returns to our cherished homeland.

1. The term used is כאלפיים אמה

2. Abarbanel

3. Radak

4. Metzudas Dovid

5. Admas Kodesh

6. V’Eschanan #18

7. Ohr Torah on the Sefer Maalos Hatorah 75

8. Inspired by Rav Shlomo Katz - link