The holiest part of the Temple in Jerusalem was called the “Holy of Holies.” Only one person was allowed to enter this very sacred area, the High Priest, and even then, the place was so holy, that often the High Priest would be overwhelmed and sometimes would pass away from the exalted atmosphere. The High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies only on Yom Kippur. Therefore only one person on only one day of the year could get a glimpse of the Holy of Holies, and if he did not enter in the spirit of complete subordination to this G-dly power, he would not return.
When the Temple was destroyed by the Romans, the soldiers shamelessly entered the Holy of Holies, destroyed, plundered, and wrecked havoc. The Jews were shocked to witness the violation of the entire Temple, but especially the degradation of the Holy of Holies, which they were never allowed even to see, much less touch or harm. The most sacred object in the Holy of Holies was the golden ark (as many of you might remember from the film “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”) This ark contained the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments written on them; these tablets were received by Moses on Mount Sinai. On top of the ark were two figures, male and female, called Keruvim. I will keep using the Hebrew word, rather than using the common English translation, Cherubs, because the latter is associated with the image of cute baby-like figures, and these were not like the cherubs in Western art. These two figures demonstrated the relationship between G-d and the Jewish People. When Hashem felt united with Israel, the two figures were embracing. When He was angry, they were turned away from each other. The Romans dragged these figures out on the street, laughing at the Jews for making statues that embrace each other.
But wait a minute. While the Temple was destroyed, the Keruvim were embracing each other? How could it be that Hashem felt united with us at a time that the Temple was destroyed because of our sins? The relationship between G-d and the Jewish People is often described as a marriage. When the Temples were destroyed and we were sent into exile, it was as if we were separated from our husband and divorced. But this isn’t an ordinary relationship. It was also said that Hashem’s presence accompanied us in exile, and that, even in the darkest moments, He is still with us. Although divorce is the analogy used, we are never truly separated from G-d, and at the moment of the most profound alienation, Hashem gave us a sign through the Keruvim that we were not alone. It is a mitzvah to remarry a wife one has divorced. Likewise, Hashem will remarry us when the true Messiah comes and the Temple will be rebuilt.