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Exodus 40:24 - Light opposite the showbread

Exodus 40:24 - שמות 40:24

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד נֹכַח הַשֻּׁלְחָן עַל יֶרֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּן נֶגְבָּה׃

English Translation

And he put the candlestick in the Tent of Meeting, over against the table, on the side of the tabernacle southward.

Transliteration

Vayasem et-hamenorah be'ohel mo'ed no'ach hashulchan al yerech hamishkan negba.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֤שֶׂם אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד נֹ֖כַח הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ן עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן נֶֽגְבָּה׃
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם אֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה֙ בְּאֹ֣הֶל מוֹעֵ֔ד נֹ֖כַח הַשֻּׁלְחָ֑ן עַ֛ל יֶ֥רֶךְ הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן נֶֽגְבָּה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Placement of the Menorah in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 40:24) describes the placement of the Menorah in the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting), specifically opposite the Shulchan (Table of Showbread) on the southern side of the Mishkan. This arrangement carries deep symbolic and halachic significance, as discussed by classical commentators.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Shemot 40:24) notes that the Menorah was placed on the southern side of the Mishkan, parallel to the Shulchan, which was on the northern side. He cites the Talmud (Bava Batra 25b), which states that the Menorah was positioned to the south because its light symbolizes the illumination of Torah wisdom, as it says (Mishlei 6:23), "For a mitzvah is a lamp, and Torah is light." The south is associated with wisdom, as King Solomon was granted wisdom when he requested it while facing south (Melachim I 3:9).

Symbolism of the Menorah and Shulchan

The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:12) explains that the Menorah and Shulchan were placed opposite each other to represent two fundamental aspects of Jewish life:

  • Menorah (Torah and Spirituality): The light of the Menorah signifies the divine wisdom of Torah, which illuminates the world.
  • Shulchan (Material Sustenance): The Table of Showbread, holding twelve loaves, represents physical sustenance and prosperity.

Their placement teaches that both spiritual and material pursuits must be balanced in service of Hashem.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:4) elaborates that the Menorah's light facing the Shulchan alludes to the idea that Torah study should not be divorced from worldly engagement. Rather, Torah must guide one’s material endeavors, ensuring they are sanctified for a higher purpose.

Halachic Considerations

The Mishnah (Tamid 6:1) and Gemara (Yoma 33a) discuss the precise positioning of the Menorah, emphasizing that its placement was exact to fulfill the divine command. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin U'Musafin 3:10) rules that the Menorah’s lamps were to be lit in a way that their light would shine toward the center of the Menorah, symbolizing the unification of wisdom.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 98b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the placement of the menorah in the Tabernacle and its symbolic significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 40:24 mean when it says the Menorah was placed 'on the side of the tabernacle southward'?
A: According to Rashi, the Menorah was placed on the southern side of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) opposite the Shulchan (Table) which was on the northern side. This arrangement was specified by Hashem to create balance and order in the sacred space.
Q: Why was the Menorah placed opposite the Table in the Mishkan?
A: The Talmud (Bava Batra 25b) explains that the Menorah (symbolizing spiritual light and wisdom) was placed opposite the Shulchan (symbolizing material sustenance) to teach that Torah study (represented by the Menorah) should accompany one's physical livelihood (represented by the Table).
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the placement of the Menorah in the Mishkan?
A: The Rambam teaches that just as the Menorah's light illuminated the Mishkan, we must let the light of Torah illuminate our lives. Its placement reminds us to always keep Torah wisdom 'opposite' our material pursuits, ensuring they are conducted with holiness and purpose.
Q: Why is the direction (southward) important for the Menorah's placement?
A: Midrash Tanchuma notes that south represents wisdom (as in Job 37:22), so placing the Menorah (a symbol of Divine wisdom) in the south emphasizes that true enlightenment comes from Torah study and mitzvah observance.
Q: How does the Menorah's placement apply to Jewish homes today?
A: The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim) derives from this verse that we should place our Chanukah menorah in a prominent place where its light can be seen, just as the original Menorah illuminated the Mishkan. This reminds us to publicize miracles and spread spiritual light.