THE MARRIAGE OF GOD AND ISRAEL:

THE HAFTARA FOR SHAVUOT

By Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein

Translated by David Strauss

LECTURING ABOUT MA’ASEH MERKAVA

            I cannot give a shiur about the haftara for Shavuot which deals with ma’aseh merkava (speculations about the Divine chariot; Yechezkel 1:1-28), because the Mishna (Chagiga 2:1) explicitly forbids this. The Mishna states:

One must not lecture about illicit sexual relations among three, nor about ma’aseh bereishit (the creation) among two, nor about the merkava among one, unless he is wise and understands on his own. Whoever gazes upon four things, it would have been better for him had he not come into the world: what is above, what is below, what is ahead, and what is behind. Whoever shows no consideration for the glory of his Maker, it would have better for him had he not come into the world.

            On the face of it, logic dictates that ma’aseh merkava should not be read as the haftara, for what is the point of reading a haftara that may not be discussed? Indeed, the Mishna in Megilla (25a) records a Tannaitic dispute: "One must not read [ma’aseh] merkava as the haftara. Rabbi Yehuda permits this." Now the position of the anonymous first Tanna who forbids the reading of this chapter as the haftara is easy to understand, for public lecturing about ma’aseh merkava is forbidden, whereas the position of Rabbi Yehuda requires explanation. Nevertheless, it is precisely the position of Rabbi Yehuda that was accepted as law, and already in the talmudic passage dealing with the haftarot read on the festivals (Megilla 31a), the Gemara states that ma’aseh merkava is read as the haftara on Shavuot:

On Shavuot [we read] from "Seven weeks" and read as the haftara from Chavakuk. Others say: "In the third month" and we read as the haftara from [ma’aseh] merkava. Now that there are two days [in the Diaspora], we do both.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN READING AND LECTURING

            The key to understanding the position of Rabbi Yehuda is to distinguish between reading and expounding. There is no prohibition to read ma’aseh merkava, but there is a prohibition to expound on it. This argument appears to be simple and persuasive, but it obligates us to define the difference between "expounding" and "reading." This question is strongly bound up with the question regarding the reason for the prohibition to expound or lecture about the merkava. By occupying ourselves with the reason for the prohibition, we might be able to come to an understanding of the basic principles governing the matter. To this end, we must turn to the Gemara in Chagiga.

The Mishna limits lecturing in three areas: illicit sexual relations, ma’aseh bereishit, and ma’aseh merkava. In general, we can talk about two reasons for the prohibition of occupation with these topics. One possible reason is the inability to discuss them properly owing to their content and the concern about mistakes that will arise in sensitive areas, when the teacher cannot provide adequate supervision. Alternatively, another consideration might be raised that is not utilitarian nor based on concern about mishaps. Rather, the very occupation with these issues is problematic, because "it is the glory of God to conceal a thing" (Mishlei 25:2). In other words, we are dealing with an issue of modesty.

DIFFERENT REASONS

            At first glance, it would appear that a distinction can be made between illicit sexual relations, on the one hand, and ma’aseh bereishit and ma’aseh merkava on the other. The last two areas focus on knowledge about the Divine and its revelation to man, whereas the prohibition of illicit sexual relations is a prohibition like all others, and there is no need for it to be concealed any more than any other mitzva. There is also a significant difference between the laws governing the different areas. Ma’aseh bereishit and ma’aseh merkava may only be taught to a single disciple, whereas illicit sexual relations may not be discussed among three, but among two this is permitted. The reason is simple. Regarding illicit sexual relations, we are not concerned about the study in and of itself; we are worried about mistakes. Regarding ma’aseh bereishit and ma’aseh merkava, we are opposed to the very discussion of these issues.

            With respect to forbidden sexual relations, the Gemara explicitly states that the guiding principle is the possible mishap.

Rav Ashi said: What is meant by: "One must not lecture about illicit sexual relations among three"? One must not lecture about the secrets of illicit sexual relations among three. What is the reason? It is based on logic: When two [disciples] sit before their master, one discusses the matter with his master, and the other inclines his ear to learn. When three [sit before their master], one discusses the matter with his master, while the other two discuss the matter among themselves, and don't know what their master said. They will, therefore, come to permit a prohibition of forbidden sexual relations. - If so the whole Torah too! Illicit sexual relations are different, as the Master has said: Man has an inner desire and lust for theft and forbidden relations. - If so, theft also! Illicit sexual relations, both in his presence and not in his presence (i.e., when the opportunity presents itself and not), his [evil] inclination is great. Theft: [if the item to be stolen is] in his presence, his [evil] inclination is great; [if it is] not in his presence, his inclination is not great. (Chagiga 11b)

            As is evident, the concern follows from a lack of concentration and from possible error (apparently, unconscious) owing to the heart's predilection, and for that reason, study in a group of three is forbidden. For this reason, most of the commentators[1] explained the "secrets" of the Torah mentioned here as complicated issues, which people are liable to misunderstand, and not as metaphysical mysteries.[2]

Regarding ma’aseh bereishit and ma’aseh merkava, on the other hand, the Gemara does not mention these considerations. It would seem that the prohibition stems from the very discussion, and not from a fear concerning mistakes. This appears to be true, but we must first examine what the sources say on the matter.

MA’ASEH MERKAVA

            We shall focus here on ma’aseh merkava, it being the topic of our haftara, and we shall not go into the matter of ma’aseh bereishit, which demands a separate discussion. We will not be surprised to find that this examination will uncover divergent opinions on the matter. According to one approach, the reason that ma’aseh merkava may not be studied is its profundity and difficulty, on the one hand, and the great cost of a mistake in such a sensitive area, on the other. The foremost speaker on this matter is the Rambam, who relates to this issue in various places in his writings.[3] He maintains that the problem lies in the profundity of the material and the difficulty of comprehending it without prior metaphysical knowledge; this idea runs throughout his comments on the issue. It is not so easy to offer a single citation to illustrate the position; it is necessary to read what he writes throughout his treatment of the issue in Moreh Nevukhim. Let us content ourselves with the following citation, taken from the Rambam's commentary to the Mishna in Chagiga:

Owing to the importance of these two sciences, the natural (i.e., ma’aseh bereishit) and the Divine (i.e., ma’aseh merkava), … they warned us against teaching them in the manner of other sciences. For it is known that every person naturally yearns for all knowledge, whether he is stupid or wise, and it is impossible for a person not to think about these two sciences, even if he does not have the [necessary] prior knowledge … This is therefore forbidden… And to frighten one who casts his thought upon ma’aseh bereishit without the [requisite] prior knowledge, he said: Whoever gazes upon four things, etc. And to deter one who casts his thought and contemplates Divine matters with his simple imagination without climbing the ladder of knowledge first, he said: "Whoever shows no consideration for the glory of his Maker, etc."

MODESTY

            In contrast, the Gemara itself implies that there is room for the proposal that we suggested above that the real problem is not the concern about possible mistakes, but the modesty that is necessary owing to the subject matter itself. Chazal expressed this principle when they related to the question of Torah study in the public domain:

Once again Rabbi [Yehuda ha-Nasi] decreed that [Torah] students should not study in the marketplace. What [verse] did he expound? "Your rounded thighs are like jewels" (Shir ha-Shirim 7:2) – Just as a thigh is concealed, so the words of Torah must be concealed. (Mo'ed Katan 16a)

            Exposing the thigh before strangers is not problematic because of possible errors, but because of the inner modesty that creates intimacy between spouses by limiting what is exposed to outsiders and keeping certain things private between them. Intimacy and interpersonal relations dictate the concealment of the thigh to outsiders and its exposure to one's spouse. As Rabbi Yehuda ha-Nasi's decree well illustrates, Chazal applied a similar idea to Torah study, because they saw it as an act of intimacy between the people of Israel and God. Another famous source for this idea is the prohibition for a non-Jew to study Torah, based on a derasha that sees the Torah as part of the personal relationship between Israel and God ("'Moshe commanded us a Torah, the inheritance [morasha] of the congregation of Yaakov' – do not read 'morasha,' but 'me'orasa' [betrothed]," Berakhot 57a).

            Just as Torah study in its entirety was forbidden to one who is not connected to the existential principles expressed therein, so too ma’aseh merkava is governed by a similar principle. Owing to the unique intimacy of the topic that deals with visions of God, any non-intimate occupation with it is forbidden. For this reason one is forbidden to lecture about it in the presence of more than a single disciple, even if there are a number of disciples who meet the requirements of such study.[4] Even if they are capable of understanding, they are only to be taught in private and with chapter headings. This is to avoid impairment of the necessary intimacy, and not because of the danger of error. "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter" (Mishlei 25:2).

UNDERSTANDING THE STUDY OF THE MERKAVA

            The root of the difference between these two approaches lies in our understanding of the study of ma’aseh merkava. The suggestion that the study of ma’aseh merkava should be concealed owing to the intimacy inherent to that study, is based on the assumption that the study of the merkava should be viewed as an expression of an inter-personal relationship. If, on the other hand, we understand ma’aseh merkava as a vision describing the exaltedness of the Creator, and we see it as the description of the King's sanctuary that comes to impress the visitor, then the Rambam's approach is more reasonable.

Accordingly, it may be argued that the disagreement about the reason for the prohibition reflects a more basic difference of opinion regarding the nature of the revelation and the nature of the human vision contemplating it. One approach sees the prophet as the beloved servant of the King, who is granted permission to go in behind the curtains and see things that are concealed from others. The fondness that is showed him as a special servant to whom secrets are revealed reflects the Master's trust and love for him, and His readiness to allow him to see behind the curtains ("the heavens were opened," Yechezkel 1:1) owing to the closeness between them.

The other approach understands the vision of the merkava as a revelation of Divine might that is meant to impress the prophet who comes to the sanctuary as a visitor. There is no concern about revelation of intimacies that are not intended for a stranger's eyes, for the whole purpose of the vision is to impress the contemplator. The onlooker is not seen as one who is regularly present in the royal palace, but as a guest who is meant to be impressed by the grandness of the King of kings. Accordingly, the concern is not about the revelation of things that are supposed to be concealed, but about a possible misunderstanding of the situation, and the serious errors that might ensue.[5]

SYNTHESIS

            Before completing our discussion of the passage in Chagiga, it is important to note that the Gemara sets two limits to the study of ma’aseh merkava. They are:

1)         the number of people;

2)         their religious-metaphysical level.

The first limit relates to the issue of modesty, whereas the second one relates to the difficulty of the subject matter. Thus, it seems that we should adopt both approaches, that of the Rambam who is concerned about errors, and therefore fit people are required, and that related to the need for concealment, which requires that the study must be done in private.

SUPERFICIAL READING

            Now, let us go back to the question of reading the haftara on the holiday of Shavuot. As we remarked at the outset, it seems that a distinction can be made been reading ma’aseh merkava and expounding it. The Mishna states that one must not expound it, but this does not prevent it from being read in public, according to Rabbi Yehuda and the accepted Halakha. According to the Rambam, the significance of this distinction is clear. Lecturing about the verses constitutes an attempt to penetrate their surface, to decipher their symbols and expose the deeper levels contained within them. This is perilous activity, the danger of error being exceedingly great. But the public reading of the haftara is merely superficial reading that does not attempt to go beyond the symbolic curtain and therefore it is not forbidden. The assumption that the public comprehends only the superficial level is what permits the reading.

A DECLARATION OF INTIMACY

            However, if we accept the second approach that intimate matters should not be exposed in public, the question only becomes stronger. How can we read in public, in a packed synagogue, matters that may only be discussed in private? This indeed is a problem!

The allowance does not appear to be based on the fact that the congregation does not pay attention to the meaning of the haftara, as we suggested according to the Rambam. On the contrary, the reading takes place on the holiday of Shavuot precisely in order to reach its full experiential significance. The problem of public occupation with ma’aseh merkava does not exist on Shavuot because the whole meaning of the festival lies in the intimacy that was created between God and Israel. The giving of the Torah is described by Chazal at the end of tractate Ta'anit as a wedding between God and Israel – if this is the relationship, then it is certainly permissible to reveal things between the "spouses" that may not be shared with strangers. It is precisely on Shavuot that we read ma’aseh merkava, despite the fact that we could have found an alternative, because we wish to emphasize and sharpen this principle. When we read the haftara and expose its contents before the public, we are proclaiming the intimacy that exists between God and Israel on this day.[6]

I suggested in the introduction to my VBM series on the haftarot that the role of the haftara is to express man's existential situation and guide him within it. For this reason, particular haftarot were designated for special Shabbatot and for the various festivals because of the specific spiritual needs of those days. The reading of ma’aseh merkava on the festival of Shavuot constitutes an excellent example of this phenomenon.

If this is correct, then a great responsibility that contains also a great opportunity rests upon the shoulders of the congregants when ma’aseh merkava is read. Instead of trying to understand as little as possible of the haftara and dozing off with the self-confidence that in this manner one is stringently observing the instructions of the Mishna in Chagiga, a person must rise up and fully grasp the significance of God’s allowing us to peek behind the curtain on this special festival commemorating the giving of the Torah, and experience it in its full intensity. It should be noted that the Mishna Berura (494:4) brings a custom that illustrates and expresses this feeling:

There are those who are accustomed that whoever reads along silently with the maftir should do so standing because of the honor that is due it.

            May we be privileged to the partnership, illumination and exposure that lies concealed in the public reading of ma’aseh merkava. And may we listen to the reading of the haftara with the recognition of the greatness of the hour and the situation.

[1] See Rashi, s.v. be-sitrei arayot, and Rabbenu Chananel, ad loc. In contrast, the Maharsha (s.v. be-arayot) understands "the secrets of illicit sexual relations" in an esoteric manner. His explanation in itself is interesting, but the continuation of the talmudic passage supports the alternative understanding.

[2] The concern about making a halakhic mistake because of emotional involvement in the decision appears in several places in Halakha. See Yevamot 98a, Nega'im 2:5, and in the Rishonim on Nidda 20b.

[3] Commentary to the Mishna, Chagiga 2:1; introduction to Moreh Nevukhim; Moreh I, 32; introduction to part III.

[4] That is, if they are wise enough to understand things on their own, having already passed the earlier stages of this theoretical study, and they meet the criterion of "the captain of fifty, and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the cunning artificer, and the eloquent orator," derived from Yeshayahu 3:3.

[5] It seems to me that there is room to distinguish between different parts of the vision.  The beginning of the vision fits in better with the impressive model, whereas the continuation fits in with the model of illumination and peeking for one who is near. This is supported by the Gemara in Chagiga 13a (bottom) and fits in with the biblical passage, to the best of my understanding. It is not my intention, however, to enter into an analysis of ma’aseh merkava, and so I will suffice with the reference to the aforementioned Gemara.

[6] If this understanding is correct, then the reading of ma’aseh merkava as a haftara should be limited to the holiday of Shavuot, and it should not be permitted on other Shabbatot of the year. However, according to the first explanation of the Rambam’s position, reading ma’aseh merkava as a haftara should be permitted all year long, because of the difference between "reading" and "lecturing."