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Exodus 26:21 - Silver sockets' hidden meaning?

Exodus 26:21 - שמות 26:21

Hebrew Text

וְאַרְבָּעִים אַדְנֵיהֶם כָּסֶף שְׁנֵי אֲדָנִים תַּחַת הַקֶּרֶשׁ הָאֶחָד וּשְׁנֵי אֲדָנִים תַּחַת הַקֶּרֶשׁ הָאֶחָד׃

English Translation

and their forty sockets of silver: two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Transliteration

Ve'arba'im adneihem kesef shnei adanim tachat hakeresh ha'echad ushnei adanim tachat hakeresh ha'echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים אַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם כָּ֑סֶף שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֗ים תַּ֚חַת הַקֶּ֣רֶשׁ הָֽאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד׃
וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים אַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם כָּ֑סֶף שְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֗ים תַּ֚חַת הַקֶּ֣רֶשׁ הָֽאֶחָ֔ד וּשְׁנֵ֣י אֲדָנִ֔ים תַּ֖חַת הַקֶּ֥רֶשׁ הָאֶחָֽד׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Mishkan

This verse (Shemot 36:24) describes the silver sockets (adanim) that served as foundations for the boards (kerashim) of the Mishkan. Each board had two silver sockets, totaling forty sockets for the twenty boards on the southern side of the Mishkan (Rashi on Shemot 36:24). The precise measurements and materials reflect the Divine blueprint given to Moshe, emphasizing the importance of exactitude in avodat Hashem.

Symbolism of the Silver Sockets

The adanim were made of silver (kesef), which the Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 5) connects to the concept of kaparah (atonement). The silver used for these sockets was sourced from the half-shekel donations (Shemot 30:11-16), which served as an atonement for the sin of the golden calf (Ramban on Shemot 30:16). Thus, the very foundation of the Mishkan was rooted in teshuvah.

Structural Significance

  • Dual Foundation: Each board stood on two sockets, symbolizing stability and balance in spiritual service (Malbim on Shemot 26:19).
  • Unity: The sockets connected the individual boards into a unified structure, teaching that Klal Yisrael's strength lies in collective responsibility (areivut) (Sforno on Shemot 26:15).

Numerical Meaning

The number forty corresponds to the days Moshe spent on Har Sinai receiving the Torah (Rashi on Shemot 24:18). Just as Torah is the foundation of the world, the forty sockets represent the Torah's role as the foundation of the Mishkan—a microcosm of the world (Maharal, Gur Aryeh on Shemot 26:19).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'sockets of silver' mentioned in Exodus 26:21?
A: The 'sockets of silver' (adnei kesef) were the foundation bases made of silver that supported the wooden boards (kerashim) of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each board had two sockets underneath it to hold it firmly in place, as explained by Rashi. The silver was donated by the Jewish people for this holy purpose.
Q: Why were there specifically two sockets per board in the Mishkan?
A: The two sockets per board provided stability and balance to the Mishkan's structure. The Talmud (Shekalim 4:1) and Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) explain that this precise engineering ensured the Mishkan would remain sturdy during travel in the wilderness, symbolizing the importance of a strong foundation in serving Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of using silver for the sockets in the Mishkan?
A: Silver (kesef) represents purity and refinement in Jewish thought. The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 5) teaches that the silver sockets elevated the Mishkan's holiness, as they were made from the half-shekel donations given by every Jew—showing unity and equality before Hashem. The sockets also allude to the 'foundation' (yesod) of Torah and mitzvot.
Q: How does the detail about the sockets apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Mishkan needed a strong foundation, our spiritual lives require stability through Torah study and mitzvot. The Chofetz Chaim teaches that the two sockets hint to the dual foundations of Torah and good deeds (Avot 1:2). Additionally, the communal donations for the silver teach the value of unity in building holy endeavors.