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Exodus 36:20 - Divine dwelling's wooden foundation

Exodus 36:20 - שמות 36:20

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ אֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁים לַמִּשְׁכָּן עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים עֹמְדִים׃

English Translation

And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as et-hak'rashim la'mishkan atzei shitim om'dim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ אֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁ֖ים לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן עֲצֵ֥י שִׁטִּ֖ים עֹמְדִֽים׃
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ אֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁ֖ים לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן עֲצֵ֥י שִׁטִּ֖ים עֹמְדִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Material: Shittim Wood

The verse states that the boards of the Mishkan were made from עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים (shittim wood). Rashi (Exodus 25:5) explains that this is the wood of the acacia tree, known for its durability and resistance to decay. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) teaches that Yaakov Avinu prophetically planted these trees in Egypt, knowing they would later be used for the Mishkan. This highlights the Divine Providence in preparing materials for the Mishkan long before its construction.

The Symbolism of Standing Boards

The phrase עֹמְדִים ("standing up") is interpreted by the Ramban (Exodus 26:15) as emphasizing the permanence and stability of the Mishkan's structure. The boards were not merely placed horizontally but stood upright, symbolizing the eternal nature of the Divine Presence among Israel. The Talmud (Shabbat 98b) further notes that the boards were miraculously self-supporting, demonstrating that the Mishkan was sustained by spiritual forces beyond physical constraints.

Spiritual Lessons from the Construction

  • Endurance in Service: The use of durable shittim wood teaches that our service of Hashem must be steadfast and enduring, not subject to the fluctuations of time or circumstance (Malbim, Exodus 25:5).
  • Divine Preparation: The fact that Yaakov planted these trees centuries earlier reminds us that Hashem prepares the means for mitzvot long before they are needed (Sforno, Exodus 25:5).
  • Uprightness in Character: The standing boards symbolize the need for moral uprightness in those who serve Hashem, as the Mishkan represents the dwelling of the Shechinah among a righteous people (Kli Yakar, Exodus 26:15).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'shittim wood' refer to in Exodus 36:20?
A: Shittim wood (עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים) refers to acacia wood, a durable and strong type of wood that grows in the desert. According to Rashi (Exodus 25:5), it was chosen for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) because it was readily available in the wilderness and symbolized resilience and purity, as it does not produce fruit that could be misused for idolatry.
Q: Why were the boards of the Mishkan made to stand upright?
A: The verse states the boards were 'standing up' (עֹמְדִים) to emphasize their stability and permanence. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 9) explains that this symbolizes the eternal nature of the Torah and the Jewish people's unwavering commitment to serving Hashem, just as the Mishkan was a permanent dwelling for the Divine Presence.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the use of shittim wood in the Mishkan?
A: The use of simple, desert-grown shittim wood teaches that holiness is not dependent on lavish materials but on sincere devotion. The Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 1:15) notes that the Mishkan's construction prioritized function and kedushah (holiness) over extravagance, reminding us that spiritual value comes from intention, not outward appearances.
Q: How does the Mishkan's construction apply to us today?
A: Just as the Mishkan was built with upright boards to house the Divine Presence, every Jew is tasked to make their heart and home a 'dwelling place for Hashem' (Midrash Shemos Rabbah 33:1). The shittim wood's durability also reminds us to build our spiritual lives with steadfastness, even in challenging 'wilderness' conditions.