Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'he set the bread in order upon it before the Lord' mean in Exodus 40:23?
A: This verse refers to the arrangement of the 'Lechem HaPanim' (Showbread) on the golden table in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, this was a special mitzvah where 12 loaves of bread were arranged in two stacks of six, placed on the table every Shabbat as an offering to Hashem (Exodus 25:30).
Q: Why was the Showbread important in the Mishkan?
A: The Lechem HaPanim (Showbread) symbolized the constant connection between the Jewish people and Hashem. The Rambam explains (Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin 4:12) that it was a reminder of Divine providence and sustenance, as bread represents basic nourishment. Its weekly renewal on Shabbat showed that our material needs come from Hashem.
Q: How was the Showbread arranged according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Talmud (Menachos 94b-96a) describes in detail how the 12 loaves were arranged: two stacks of six loaves each, with golden tubes between them to allow air circulation. The bread stayed miraculously fresh all week (Yoma 39b), and the Kohanim would eat the old loaves every Shabbat when new ones were placed.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from the Showbread in the Mishkan?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:7) teaches that just as the bread was always before Hashem, we should remember that our sustenance comes from Him. The arrangement on Shabbat particularly teaches us to sanctify our material needs by recognizing their Divine source, especially through Shabbat observance when we refrain from creative work.
Q: Who was responsible for arranging the Showbread in the Mishkan?
A: The verse states this was done 'as Hashem commanded Moshe,' meaning the Kohanim (priests) performed this service under Moshe's instruction. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 2:1-2) explains that arranging the Showbread was among the regular duties of the Kohanim in the Mishkan and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).
Context of the Verse
The verse (Vayikra 24:8) describes Aharon's fulfillment of the mitzvah of arranging the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread) on the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). This was a weekly ritual performed before Hashem, as commanded to Moshe.
Explanation of the Lechem HaPanim
According to Rashi (Vayikra 24:8), the phrase "ויערך עליו מערכת לחם" refers to the arrangement of twelve loaves in two stacks of six, placed on the Shulchan every Shabbat. The Rambam (Hilchos Temidin u'Musafin 4:12) elaborates that the loaves were arranged with golden pans between them to allow air circulation, preventing mold.
Significance of the Mitzvah
Halachic Details
The Mishnah (Menachos 11:4) describes the precise arrangement of the loaves, with the incense placed alongside them. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 318) notes that some customs of Shabbat meal preparation derive from the care taken in arranging the Lechem HaPanim.
Spiritual Message
The Sforno (Vayikra 24:8) explains that this mitzvah teaches that material sustenance ("לחם") should always be arranged "לפני ה'" - with awareness of the Divine source of all provision. The weekly renewal of the bread parallels our need for constant spiritual renewal in serving Hashem.