From Rav Nosson Englard…..
The measurements of the Aron all included halves. The length was 2 and a half amos, and the width and the height were both 1 and a half amos. All other vessels of the mishkan were mainly measured in whole units of amos. Why the difference? The Mei Hashiloach gives us an amazing and profound insight into this, which teaches us a very valuable counsel for life.
We know the Aron symbolized the Torah, for the luchos were kept within it. The pasuk writes in Parshas Chukas “זאת התורה אדם כי ימות באהל” – and Chazal teach us “אין התורה מתקיימת אלא במי שממית עצמו עליה” – the Torah can exist only within someone that kills himself for it. Does this mean that one has to literally kill himself for the Torah?
The Izhbitzer points out that Chazal teach us here a novel idea. In order for one to truly acquire the Torah – that the Torah should ultimately become part of his essence – one has to approach the Torah with an understanding and feeling that he cannot exist without the Torah. One has to truly feel with all of his heart that the Torah is the oxygen that sustains his very existence – without it we are only halves.
There are many who approach the Torah just as they would any other subject. Hence, there is no siyata dishmaya to understand properly and acquire truthfully the Torah. The Torah that we learn has to change us for the
better, and be the very air that we breathe – כי הם חיינו ואורך ימינו. Only when we approach it this way, will we be zocheh to become united with the holy Torah, as it was destined to be.
The Kotzker Rebbe was once approached by someone who boasted to him that he had learned the whole of Shas. The Kotzker retorted: and pray tell me what have you actually learned from the Shas? What has Shas taught you?
We all have relationships with people that are dear to us. The first and foremost key to an everlasting relationship is for each to truly feel that they are incomplete without the other. Only then will the bond be one that will prove itself, not only during peaceful times, but during turbulence as well.