We all know that there are only five books in the Torah. But in this week’s Sedra there are two verses which the Talmud considers to be a symbolic sixth book of the Torah. These verses are introduced with an upside down letter “nun” and conclude with an upside down letter “nun”:

“Vayehi b’nsoa ha’aron…”

When the Ark would journey, Moshe said: “Arise, Hashem and let your foes be scattered, let those who hate you flee from before you. …And when it rested, he would say, “Reside tranquilly, Hashem, among the myriad thousands of Israel.”

Why are these two verses so special as to be considered a separate “book” of the Torah

Answer:

When we set out on a family outing we always (hopefully!) know our goal or destination. As we pull out of the driveway we know whether we’re going to the zoo, the park, or to visit grandma. So too in the Torah, the Jewish people are being told that whenever and wherever they go – it is always the Holy Ark which is our goal and destination. Not only are the Torah values our goal – they are also our guide map. The Torah teaches us what our goals in life are and how we can grow up with proper values. So that is why these verses are considered a separate book of the Torah. They are a separate “book” since they tell us to carry Torah thinking wherever we go – in school, at home and even on holiday. They are a separate book which serves as a guide for all of our journeys in the other books of the Torah.