Q&A: The Vessels or the People
The Vessels or the People.
Question
Forgive me—I’m not sure I’m framing this correctly, but the question is screaming through all 248 limbs and 365 sinews.
Jeremiah, and by contrast Hananiah, are dealing with…
with the return to Zion—when it will happen…
But the return they are mediating about (the date and what follows from it) is the return of the exiles and the vessels (or some of the vessels).
What value do vessels have compared to the life of a Jewish boy or girl?
Of families being lost in exile or flourishing in the Land?
I’m used to halakhic thinking in terms of saving life and the value of life—certainly of the nation, especially if it’s in our Land or under punishment in exile—and there’s no room in my mind for vessels that can be replaced by others…
It’s really puzzling to me.
It’s like someone telling me that in 1967 we were saved from annihilation, we defeated those who rose against us, and also I found a free piece of gum…
It feels strange to me.
Or is there really value and weight to the vessels even as against life?
Answer
I didn’t understand what “vessels” means. What are you referring to?
Discussion on Answer
The Temple vessels, like the establishment of a state, are symbols of the public redemption of the people. Beyond that, the existence of people receives meaning through their goals and values. Like that poor Chinese man who had two small coins and bought a slice of bread and a flower: a slice of bread in order to live, and a flower so there would be something to live for.
The Temple vessels