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Exodus 26:10 - Divine details in Tabernacle construction

Exodus 26:10 - שמות 26:10

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ חֲמִשִּׁים לֻלָאֹת עַל שְׂפַת הַיְרִיעָה הָאֶחָת הַקִּיצֹנָה בַּחֹבָרֶת וַחֲמִשִּׁים לֻלָאֹת עַל שְׂפַת הַיְרִיעָה הַחֹבֶרֶת הַשֵּׁנִית׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain of the second coupling.

Transliteration

Ve'asita chamishim lula'ot al sfat hayri'ah ha'achat hakitzonah bachoveret vachamishim lula'ot al sfat hayri'ah hachoheret hashenit.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת עַ֣ל שְׂפַ֤ת הַיְרִיעָה֙ הָֽאֶחָ֔ת הַקִּיצֹנָ֖ה בַּחֹבָ֑רֶת וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת עַ֚ל שְׂפַ֣ת הַיְרִיעָ֔ה הַחֹבֶ֖רֶת הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃
וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת עַ֣ל שְׂפַ֤ת הַיְרִיעָה֙ הָֽאֶחָ֔ת הַקִּיצֹנָ֖ה בַּחֹבָ֑רֶת וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת עַ֚ל שְׂפַ֣ת הַיְרִיעָ֔ה הַחֹבֶ֖רֶת הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Loops (Lula'ot) in the Mishkan's Curtains

The verse (Shemot 26:5) describes the construction of the loops (lula'ot) that connected the curtains (yeri'ot) of the Mishkan. According to Rashi, these loops were made of blue wool (tekhelet) and served as fasteners, allowing the curtains to be joined together with golden clasps (karshim). The symmetry of fifty loops on each curtain emphasizes the unity and precision required in building the Mishkan, reflecting the Divine order.

Symbolism of the Number Fifty

The number fifty carries deep significance in Jewish thought:

  • Connection to Shavuot: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) links the fifty loops to the fifty days between Yetziat Mitzrayim (Exodus) and Matan Torah (Receiving the Torah), symbolizing the spiritual ascent toward Divine revelation.
  • Representation of Binah: The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) associates fifty with the concept of Binah (understanding), suggesting the Mishkan’s structure reflects Divine wisdom.
  • Unity of Klal Yisrael: The Talmud (Shabbat 99a) teaches that the loops and clasps symbolize the unity of the Jewish people, as the Mishkan was assembled through collective effort.

Practical Construction According to Halacha

The Mishnah (Middot 4:7) details the measurements and placement of the loops, emphasizing their functional role in ensuring the curtains remained securely fastened. The Kli Yakar (Shemot 26:5) adds that the loops' placement on the "outermost edge" (hasafah hakitzonah) teaches that even seemingly minor details in avodat Hashem (Divine service) require careful attention.

Spiritual Lessons from the Loops

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (Shemot 26:5) explains that the loops symbolize the interconnectedness of mitzvot—just as the loops bound the curtains, mitzvot bind the Jewish people to Hashem. The symmetry of fifty loops on each curtain also teaches balance in spiritual and physical pursuits, a theme echoed in the Mishkan’s dual role as a physical structure and a dwelling place for the Shechinah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the loops (lula'ot) in Exodus 26:10?
A: The loops (lula'ot) mentioned in Exodus 26:10 were small rings or fasteners made on the edges of the curtains of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, these loops allowed the curtains to be connected together with gold clasps, forming a unified structure for the Mishkan. This was essential for creating a proper dwelling place for the Divine Presence.
Q: Why were there exactly fifty loops on each curtain?
A: The number fifty is significant in Jewish tradition, often representing completeness and holiness (like the fifty gates of understanding mentioned in Kabbalah). The Talmud (Shabbat 99a) explains that the precise number of loops ensured that the curtains would align perfectly when joined, symbolizing unity and harmony in the service of Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the loops connecting the Mishkan's curtains?
A: The loops teach us the importance of unity and cooperation in spiritual matters. Just as the loops joined the curtains to form one Mishkan, Jews must work together to create a dwelling place for the Divine Presence in this world. The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 11) emphasizes that unity among the Jewish people is a prerequisite for Hashem's presence to dwell among them.
Q: How does the construction of the Mishkan apply to our lives today?
A: The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) explains that the details of the Mishkan's construction teach us about the importance of beauty, precision, and order in serving Hashem. Just as the loops had to be made carefully to connect the curtains properly, we must pay attention to details in our mitzvot and strive for excellence in our spiritual growth.