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Exodus 35:8 - Spices for sacred anointing oil

Exodus 35:8 - שמות 35:8

Hebrew Text

וְשֶׁמֶן לַמָּאוֹר וּבְשָׂמִים לְשֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה וְלִקְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים׃

English Translation

and oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,

Transliteration

Veshemen lamaor uv'samim leshemen hamishcha v'liktoret hasamim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשֶׁ֖מֶן לַמָּא֑וֹר וּבְשָׂמִים֙ לְשֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְלִקְטֹ֖רֶת הַסַּמִּֽים׃
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן לַמָּא֑וֹר וּבְשָׂמִים֙ לְשֶׁ֣מֶן הַמִּשְׁחָ֔ה וְלִקְטֹ֖רֶת הַסַּמִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 35:28) lists three essential materials donated for the Mishkan (Tabernacle): oil for the Menorah, spices for the anointing oil, and spices for the Ketoret (incense). Each of these items held deep spiritual significance in the service of the Mishkan.

Oil for the Light (וְשֶׁמֶן לַמָּאוֹר)

Rashi (Shemot 35:28) explains that this refers to pure olive oil, specifically for the Menorah in the Mishkan. The Menorah symbolizes divine wisdom and the light of Torah (see Ramban on Shemot 25:31). The Talmud (Menachot 86a) elaborates that only the highest quality oil, pressed from olives and not ground, was used for the Menorah, representing the purity required in divine service.

Spices for the Anointing Oil (וּבְשָׂמִים לְשֶׁמֶן הַמִּשְׁחָה)

The anointing oil (Shemen HaMishcha) was used to sanctify the vessels of the Mishkan and to anoint the Kohanim and kings. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:3) details the precise mixture of spices, including myrrh, cinnamon, and cassia, as listed in Shemot 30:23-24. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:5) teaches that the anointing oil represents kedusha (holiness) and the divine selection of leaders and sacred objects.

Spices for the Ketoret (וְלִקְטֹרֶת הַסַּמִּים)

The Ketoret (incense) was burned twice daily on the golden altar. The Talmud (Keritot 6a) lists eleven spices used in its preparation, emphasizing the importance of exact measurements. The Zohar (Vayikra 16a) connects the Ketoret to atonement and divine favor, as its smoke ascended straight upward, symbolizing the prayers of Israel rising to heaven.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Light of Torah: The Menorah's oil teaches the necessity of pure intentions in Torah study and mitzvot.
  • Holiness and Leadership: The anointing oil underscores the sanctity of those chosen to serve Hashem and lead the Jewish people.
  • Prayer and Atonement: The Ketoret represents the power of sincere prayer and repentance to draw divine mercy.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 45a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the preparation of the anointing oil and incense for the Temple service.
📖 Keritot 5a
Mentioned in the context of the ingredients used for the anointing oil and incense, highlighting their sacred use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'oil for the light' mentioned in Exodus 35:8?
A: The 'oil for the light' refers to the pure olive oil used to light the Menorah in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that it had to be specially pressed and not processed, as only the highest quality oil was fit for this sacred purpose (Menachot 86a).
Q: Why were spices mentioned in Exodus 35:8 important?
A: The spices were used for two sacred purposes: 1) The anointing oil (shemen hamishcha) to consecrate vessels and priests, and 2) The ketoret (incense) offered twice daily on the golden altar. The Talmud (Keritot 6a) teaches these had specific formulas given by Hashem and were extremely precious.
Q: What can we learn from the materials listed in Exodus 35:8?
A: This teaches us that serving Hashem requires preparation with the finest materials. Just as the Mishkan needed pure oil and select spices, our mitzvot should be performed with care and the best resources we can offer (based on Rambam's principle of hiddur mitzvah - beautifying commandments).
Q: How does the anointing oil apply today without a Temple?
A: While we cannot make the actual anointing oil today, the concept teaches us about kedusha (holiness). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:7) explains that objects and people dedicated to divine service must be treated with special reverence, a principle that applies to synagogues and Torah items today.
Q: Why does the Torah specify these items in the list of donations?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:4) explains that these items represent different aspects of avodah (service to Hashem): light symbolizes wisdom (Proverbs 6:23), anointing oil represents leadership, and incense signifies prayer (Psalms 141:2). Together they show the completeness of divine service.