Parshat Bamidbar
Rabbi Avrohom Gordimer

After detailing the tasks of the Bnei Kehas (Children of Kehas) in transporting the Mishkan, the Torah concludes this week's parsha with a warning that the Bnei Kehas not gaze upon the most holy kelim (vessels) which they carry when these kelim are packed by the Kohanim before travel. (See Rashi on 4:5 and 4:20.) The kelim borne by the Bnei Kehas included the Aron, Menorah, Shulchan, Mizbechos (Altars) and their implements; only after being covered for travel could the Bnei Kehas approach them.

Why should the Bnei Kehas not gaze upon the kelim as they are being packed? After all, the Mizbach Ha-Nechoshes (Copper Altar) was in public view in the Chazter (Courtyard) of the Mishkan at all times; why should Bnei Kehas not see something being packed which they can see exposed at any time?

It may be suggested that the the issue here is not the viewing of the kelim per se; rather, the very sight of the kelim being packed up, similar to luggage, is what the Torah enjoins. The Mishkan and its vessels represent the manifestation of the Shechinah. It is for this reason that the Mishkan engenders extreme awe and reverence, and there are numerous halachos as to how one comports himself in and near the Mikdash. For one to observe the awe-inspiring, most holy kelim being packed up like luggage can do harm to his perception of the Mishkan. This is why the Torah commands that the Bnei Kehas stay away until the kelim are already covered.

We find a similar concept regarding the honor due to talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars) and melachim (kings). The halacha is that one may not enter a bath-house with his rebbe, nor may he witness the king getting his hair cut. (See Hil. Talmud Torah 2:3 and Hil. Melachim 5:6). Again, although one's rebbe bathes and the king gets his hair cut as do all people, one's sense of reverence diminishes upon perceiving the rebbe and melech in such a state.

With a deep understanding of people's inner reactions and attitudes, the Torah thus warns that Bnei Kehas need to remain out of sight as the most holy kelim are covered up and packed, so that the crucial sense of reverence and encounter with the Shechinah which falls upon a person in the presence of these kelim not be jeopardized.

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