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Exodus 36:32 - Divine symmetry in Mishkan's structure?

Exodus 36:32 - שמות 36:32

Hebrew Text

וַחֲמִשָּׁה בְרִיחִם לְקַרְשֵׁי צֶלַע־הַמִּשְׁכָּן הַשֵּׁנִית וַחֲמִשָּׁה בְרִיחִם לְקַרְשֵׁי הַמִּשְׁכָּן לַיַּרְכָתַיִם יָמָּה׃

English Translation

and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the side westward.

Transliteration

Vachamisha vrichim lkarshei tzela-hamishkan hashenit vachamisha vrichim lkarshei hamishkan layarchataim yama.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה בְרִיחִ֔ם לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י צֶֽלַע־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית וַחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה בְרִיחִם֙ לְקַרְשֵׁ֣י הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן לַיַּרְכָתַ֖יִם יָֽמָּה׃
וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה בְרִיחִ֔ם לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י צֶֽלַע־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית וַחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה בְרִיחִם֙ לְקַרְשֵׁ֣י הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן לַיַּרְכָתַ֖יִם יָֽמָּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse (Exodus 26:26-27)

The verse describes the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the five bars used to reinforce the wooden boards on the northern and western sides. These bars provided structural stability, ensuring the Mishkan remained upright and secure.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Exodus 26:26) explains that the five bars were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. He notes that these bars were inserted through rings attached to the boards, holding them firmly in place. The repetition of "five bars" for both sides emphasizes uniformity in construction, ensuring balance and symmetry in the Mishkan's design.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Temple), Rambam (Maimonides) draws parallels between the Mishkan and the later Beit HaMikdash (Temple). He highlights that the precise measurements and structural integrity of the Mishkan reflect the divine requirement for holiness in sacred spaces. The five bars symbolize strength and permanence, qualities essential for a dwelling place of the Shechinah (Divine Presence).

Midrashic Insights

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 11) connects the five bars to the five books of the Torah, suggesting that just as the bars held the Mishkan together, the Torah sustains the spiritual structure of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people).
  • Another interpretation in Midrash HaGadol posits that the five bars correspond to the five levels of the soul (Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chayah, Yechidah), representing the complete devotion required in serving Hashem.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Shabbat 98b) discusses the importance of the Mishkan's construction as a model for future sacred buildings. The Gemara notes that the bars were arranged horizontally, with the middle bar extending from one end to the other, symbolizing unity. This detail teaches that communal structures—both physical and spiritual—must be built with cohesion and shared purpose.

Symbolism of the Westward Side

The western side of the Mishkan (facing the Holy of Holies) held particular significance. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 26:27) explains that the westward bars allude to the hidden divine light (Ohr HaGanuz), stored away for the righteous in the World to Come. The structural reinforcement on this side hints at the enduring nature of holiness, even when not visibly manifest.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the five bars mentioned in Exodus 36:32?
A: The five bars (בְּרִיחִם) were horizontal beams used to hold together the wooden boards of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, these bars provided structural stability, ensuring the Mishkan remained upright. The number five corresponds to the five books of the Torah, symbolizing that the Mishkan’s strength comes from Torah.
Q: Why does the verse specify bars for the 'side westward' (יָמָּה) of the Mishkan?
A: The western side of the Mishkan was particularly important because it housed the Holy Ark in the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). The Talmud (Yoma 33b) teaches that the west represents divine presence (Shechinah), and the extra reinforcement with bars highlights the sanctity and stability of this section.
Q: How do the bars of the Mishkan apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the bars held the Mishkan together, the Torah and mitzvot (commandments) provide spiritual structure in our lives. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:4) explains that the Mishkan’s design teaches us about order and devotion—applying this lesson means building our lives with Torah as our foundation.
Q: What materials were used for the bars of the Mishkan?
A: The Torah (Exodus 36:31) states that the bars were made of acacia wood (עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים) and overlaid with gold (Exodus 36:34). Rashi explains that the gold covering symbolized honor and permanence, reflecting the Mishkan’s sacred purpose as a dwelling place for the Divine Presence.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'five bars' twice?
A: The repetition emphasizes that both the northern and western sides of the Mishkan required equal reinforcement. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:4) teaches that symmetry in the Mishkan’s construction reflects balance in serving Hashem—every detail, whether visible or hidden, matters in divine service.