Q. I was invited this Pesach to a shul where they just installed a new Aron Hakodesh that is made from a huge safe box that still has the emblem of the manufacturer and it is a clearly seen plain dog. Since the Poroches curtain is not on yet in place, is there a problem in davening in front of a dog?
A. On question 2962 we asked that in the second temple R. Chanina (S’gan HaCohanim) said that he saw the heavenly fire descend (on the altar) resembling a crouching dog (Yoma 21b). Why compare the Heavenly Holy fire to a crouching dog!?
To what we answered: Kaftor Vaferach maintains that the presence of the Shechina’s Heavenly Fire, depends on the people present to receive it. During the first Beis Hamikdosh, there were far many more great Tzadikim and holy Sages forthcoming and available.
Not so during the Second Temple. That penurious stage was compared to a dog, on whom our sages teach, since his food is scarce, Hashem made his needs little and so requires small amounts of food to survive.
Nevertheless, in this case it should be removed or covered as soon as possible.
Important Numbers
