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Exodus 38:28 - Silver sanctifies sacred structure.

Exodus 38:28 - שמות 38:28

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הָאֶלֶף וּשְׁבַע הַמֵּאוֹת וַחֲמִשָּׁה וְשִׁבְעִים עָשָׂה וָוִים לָעַמּוּדִים וְצִפָּה רָאשֵׁיהֶם וְחִשַּׁק אֹתָם׃

English Translation

And of the thousand seven hundred and seventy five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their capitals, and bound them.

Transliteration

Ve'et ha'elef ushva hame'ot vachamisha veshiv'im asah vavim la'amudim vetzipa rasheihem vechishak otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הָאֶ֜לֶף וּשְׁבַ֤ע הַמֵּאוֹת֙ וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה וְשִׁבְעִ֔ים עָשָׂ֥ה וָוִ֖ים לָעַמּוּדִ֑ים וְצִפָּ֥ה רָאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם וְחִשַּׁ֥ק אֹתָֽם׃
וְאֶת־הָאֶ֜לֶף וּשְׁבַ֤ע הַמֵּאוֹת֙ וַחֲמִשָּׁ֣ה וְשִׁבְעִ֔ים עָשָׂ֥ה וָוִ֖ים לָעַמּוּדִ֑ים וְצִפָּ֥ה רָאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם וְחִשַּׁ֥ק אֹתָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Mishkan Construction

This verse (Shemot 38:28) appears in the context of detailing the materials used in constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It specifies how the remaining 1,775 shekels of silver—after crafting the sockets for the Mishkan's beams—were utilized for making hooks (vavim) for the pillars, overlaying their capitals, and binding them together.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that these silver hooks were used for the courtyard pillars (amudim), which held up the curtains (yeri'ot) of the Mishkan's outer enclosure. The silver was melted down and formed into hooks to secure the curtains to the pillars. Additionally, the tops (rasheihem, "their capitals") of the pillars were overlaid with silver, and the silver was used to bind (chishak) the pillars, ensuring structural stability.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra adds that the term vavim refers to small silver hooks or clasps that connected the curtains to the pillars. The overlaying of the capitals (tzipah rasheihem) indicates that the tops of the wooden pillars were covered with silver plating for both aesthetic and protective purposes.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) highlights the precision in the use of materials: not a single shekel was wasted. The 1,775 shekels were meticulously allocated for specific functions, demonstrating the principle of tikkun olam (perfecting the world) through careful stewardship of resources.

Rambam on the Symbolism

Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (3:45) suggests that the silver hooks and overlays symbolize the refinement of physical materials for sacred purposes. The transformation of raw silver into functional and decorative elements reflects the elevation of the mundane (chomer) to the holy (tzedek).

Practical Halachic Implications

  • Hooks (vavim): These were likely shaped like the letter vav (ו), forming a loop or clasp to hold the curtains taut (Mishnah, Middot 3:5).
  • Binding (chishak): The silver bands around the pillars ensured durability, teaching the importance of constructing sacred spaces with lasting integrity (Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the 1,775 shekels mentioned in Exodus 38:28?
A: The 1,775 shekels were made into hooks (vavim) for the pillars of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and used to overlay their capitals. According to Rashi, these shekels were part of the leftover silver from the donations given by the Israelites for the construction of the Mishkan. This teaches us that every contribution, even the 'leftovers,' had a holy purpose in building a place for the Divine Presence.
Q: Why were hooks (vavim) needed for the pillars of the Mishkan?
A: The hooks (vavim) were used to connect the curtains and hangings of the Mishkan to the pillars, ensuring stability and structure. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) explains that every detail of the Mishkan's construction had spiritual significance—the hooks symbolize the unity and interconnectedness of the Jewish people in serving Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the way the extra silver was used in Exodus 38:28?
A: The verse teaches that no donation or effort in avodas Hashem (service of G-d) goes to waste. Even the leftover silver was repurposed for a sacred use. The Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah) emphasizes that every detail in the Mishkan's construction reflects the importance of dedicating our resources and talents entirely to holiness.
Q: How does the overlaying of the pillars' capitals apply to us today?
A: Just as the capitals of the Mishkan's pillars were overlaid with silver to beautify them, we learn from the Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 35:1) that we should strive to adorn our mitzvos with hiddur (beauty and excellence). This applies today in performing mitzvos with care, dignity, and extra devotion.