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Exodus 37:21 - Menorah's symmetrical divine light

Exodus 37:21 - שמות 37:21

Hebrew Text

וְכַפְתֹּר תַּחַת שְׁנֵי הַקָּנִים מִמֶּנָּה וְכַפְתֹּר תַּחַת שְׁנֵי הַקָּנִים מִמֶּנָּה וְכַפְתֹּר תַּחַת־שְׁנֵי הַקָּנִים מִמֶּנָּה לְשֵׁשֶׁת הַקָּנִים הַיֹּצְאִים מִמֶּנָּה׃

English Translation

and a bulb under two branches of the same, and a bulb under two branches of the same, and a bulb under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it.

Transliteration

Vechaftor tachat shnei hakanim mimenah vechaftor tachat shnei hakanim mimenah vechaftor tachat-shnei hakanim mimenah lesheshet hakanim hayotzim mimenah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכַפְתֹּ֡ר תַּ֩חַת֩ שְׁנֵ֨י הַקָּנִ֜ים מִמֶּ֗נָּה וְכַפְתֹּר֙ תַּ֣חַת שְׁנֵ֤י הַקָּנִים֙ מִמֶּ֔נָּה וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר תַּֽחַת־שְׁנֵ֥י הַקָּנִ֖ים מִמֶּ֑נָּה לְשֵׁ֙שֶׁת֙ הַקָּנִ֔ים הַיֹּצְאִ֖ים מִמֶּֽנָּה׃
וְכַפְתֹּ֡ר תַּ֩חַת֩ שְׁנֵ֨י הַקָּנִ֜ים מִמֶּ֗נָּה וְכַפְתֹּר֙ תַּ֣חַת שְׁנֵ֤י הַקָּנִים֙ מִמֶּ֔נָּה וְכַפְתֹּ֕ר תַּֽחַת־שְׁנֵ֥י הַקָּנִ֖ים מִמֶּ֑נָּה לְשֵׁ֙שֶׁת֙ הַקָּנִ֔ים הַיֹּצְאִ֖ים מִמֶּֽנָּה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 25:35) describes the intricate design of the Menorah (candelabrum) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse details the placement of kaphtorim (bulbs or knobs) beneath pairs of branches extending from the central stem of the Menorah. The repetition emphasizes the symmetrical and precise structure commanded by Hashem.

Explanation of the Terms

  • Kaphtor (כַּפְתֹּר): Rashi explains that these were rounded, bulb-like ornaments resembling apples or pomegranates, serving as decorative elements on the Menorah. The Malbim adds that they symbolized spiritual illumination and the divine light emanating from the Menorah.
  • Kanot (קָּנִים): The branches of the Menorah, which Rashi notes were not straight but angled upward, representing the ascent of wisdom and divine inspiration.

Symbolism of the Menorah's Design

The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechira 3:10) emphasizes that every detail of the Menorah's construction carries deep spiritual significance. The repetition of "a bulb under two branches" three times alludes to the three pillars of Torah, Avodah (service), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness), which uphold the Jewish people.

The Midrash Tanchuma (Behaalotecha 5) connects the six branches to the six days of creation, with the central stem representing Shabbat—the source of all blessing. The kaphtorim beneath each pair of branches signify the hidden wisdom (Torah she'ba'al peh) that supports and gives form to the revealed Torah (Torah she'bichtav).

Structural Precision

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch highlights that the Menorah was hammered from a single piece of gold (Shemot 25:36), symbolizing the unity of Torah and its divine origin. The symmetrical placement of the kaphtorim teaches that spiritual growth must be balanced—each branch (representing individual paths in Avodat Hashem) is supported by the same foundational wisdom.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the 'bulbs' and 'branches' mentioned in Exodus 37:21?
A: This verse describes part of the design of the Menorah (candelabrum) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The 'bulbs' (כפתורים - kaphtorim) are decorative knobs, and the 'branches' (קנים - kanim) are the arms of the Menorah. According to Rashi, the bulbs were shaped like apples and served as ornaments between the branches.
Q: Why does the Torah repeat the phrase about bulbs under branches three times in this verse?
A: The repetition emphasizes the symmetry and precise design of the Menorah. As Ramban explains, the three pairs of branches each had bulbs at their base, showing the careful craftsmanship required for this holy vessel. The Talmud (Menachot 28b) discusses how this repetition teaches about the Menorah's construction details.
Q: How many branches did the Menorah have according to this verse?
A: The verse mentions 'six branches' (שישה הקנים) plus the central stem, making seven branches total. This is confirmed in Exodus 25:32 and discussed in Talmud Menachot 28b. The seven branches represent wisdom and Divine light, as the Menorah symbolizes spiritual illumination.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the detailed description of the Menorah?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:2) teaches that just as the Menorah's details were precisely specified, we should approach mitzvot with careful attention to detail. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechira 3:10) derives from this that we must beautify mitzvah objects, showing honor to divine service.
Q: Does the Menorah described here relate to the Chanukah menorah?
A: While similar in concept, they are different. The Temple Menorah had seven branches as described here, while the Chanukah menorah has eight plus a shamash. The Talmud (Shabbat 22b) explains the Chanukah miracle involved the Temple Menorah, but we use a different design to commemorate the miracle without replicating the sacred Temple vessel.