A Vessel of Glory: The World’s Largest Holy Ark Completed at Yeshivat Ateret Shlomo

A Divine Tribute of Kavod HaTorah: Unparalleled Masterwork of Kedushah and Craftsmanship Unveiled in Rishon LeZion

By: Fern Sidman

In an awe-inspiring moment of sanctity and unity, thousands gathered Thursday evening at the Yeshivat Ateret Shlomo campus in Rishon LeZion to witness the historic chanukas aron hakodesh — the dedication of the largest Holy Ark (Aron Kodesh) ever constructed in Jewish history.

The event, infused with spiritual elevation and heartfelt emotion, marked the culmination of over three years of meticulous avodas hakodesh involving 350 artisans from across the globe. The ark, a true kli kodesh of unmatched majesty, was created entirely by hand as an offering of kavod haTorah and yiras shamayim.

A Mikdash Me’at Crowned with Beauty and Brilliance

Spanning a remarkable 120 square meters, the ark measures 20 meters long and 6.5 meters high, crafted from over two tons of pure silver, with intricate sections adorned in 24-karat gold plating. At its heart lies a sanctified chamber to house the Sifrei Torah, constructed with painstaking devotion by master Jewish craftsmen from Udaipur, India.

The parochet adorning the chamber entrance is an exquisite tapestry woven from argaman threads laced with gold and encrusted with precious stones, the fruit of months of labor by elite Jewish artisans from the Kashmir region.

Standing at the threshold of the Holy Chamber is a true wonder: the world’s smallest mezuzah, measuring only 2.7 cm by 2.7 cm, a masterpiece of hiddur mitzvah — underscoring that even the smallest expressions of kedushah are worthy of exalted craftsmanship.

Surrounding the aron is a four-ton ornamental copper fence, cast in Stuttgart, Germany, recalling the dignity and sanctity of the Mishkan.

Brought to Life Through Mesirus Nefesh and Emunah

The aron’s construction — a project of epic spiritual scale — encountered formidable logistical challenges. Its parts were transported across three continents by land, sea, and air, braving global instability, threats from Houthi forces, and wartime obstacles. Yet, every component arrived intact — a miracle many involved in the project attributed to siyata dishmaya.

The entire endeavor was lovingly funded by a yeirei shamayim and osek b’tzorchei tzibbur — a prominent Bobover chasid and philanthropist from the United States — who dedicated the aron as an eternal zechus for the holy soul of his revered Rebbe, the saintly Reb Shlomo Halberstam zt”l of Bobov.

“This is not merely a structure,” said one of the roshei yeshiva. “It is a living testimony to the netzach of Klal Yisrael, our unwavering devotion to the Torah, and our sacred mission to fill the world with light.”

A Night of Kedushah and Kavod LaTorah

The chanukas aron hakodesh took place with thousands of bnei yeshiva, rabbanim, and honored guests, overflowing with simchas mitzvah. A new Sefer Torah was danced in with great joy and reverence before being lovingly placed inside the ark’s sacred chamber.

Tears of awe streamed down faces as minhag Yisrael sabbah was fulfilled with beauty and passion, echoing the verse, “Zeh Keili v’anveihu, Elokei avi v’aromemenhu” — This is my God, and I will glorify Him.

A Legacy for Generations

The Yeshivat Ateret Shlomo community, under the inspired leadership of HaRav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin shlita, sees this monumental achievement not as an end, but as a beginning — a new era in which kavod haTorah is magnified and emunah peshutah is celebrated through every dimension of life.

May this ark serve as a beacon of inspiration to all ma’aminim b’nei ma’aminim, and may it stand as an eternal tribute to the unbreakable bond between Am Yisrael and the holy Torah — Torat Hashem Temimah.