share torah logo

Exodus 40:30 - Purification before divine service

Exodus 40:30 - שמות 40:30

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת־הַכִּיֹּר בֵּין־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וּבֵין הַמִּזְבֵּחַ וַיִּתֵּן שָׁמָּה מַיִם לְרָחְצָה׃

English Translation

And he set the laver between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water there, for washing.

Transliteration

Vayasem et-hakiyor bein-ohel moed uvein hamizbe'ach vayiten shamah mayim lirchatzah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙ אֶת־הַכִּיֹּ֔ר בֵּֽין־אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וּבֵ֣ין הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן שָׁ֛מָּה מַ֖יִם לְרׇחְצָֽה׃
וַיָּ֙שֶׂם֙ אֶת־הַכִּיֹּ֔ר בֵּֽין־אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵ֖ד וּבֵ֣ין הַמִּזְבֵּ֑חַ וַיִּתֵּ֥ן שָׁ֛מָּה מַ֖יִם לְרׇחְצָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Placement of the Kiyor (Laver)

The verse describes the placement of the kiyor (laver) between the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) and the mizbeach (altar). Rashi (Shemot 30:18) explains that this positioning was deliberate—it served as a reminder for the kohanim (priests) to sanctify themselves by washing their hands and feet before performing service in the Mishkan or approaching the altar. The proximity to the altar emphasizes that ritual purity is a prerequisite for divine service.

Symbolism of the Water

The water in the kiyor was not merely for physical cleanliness but represented spiritual purification. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukat 6) compares water to Torah, suggesting that just as water cleanses the body, Torah purifies the soul. Rambam (Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash 5:1) further elaborates that the act of washing was a physical demonstration of the inner sanctity required when serving Hashem.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The kiyor was made from the mirrors of the women who donated them (Shemot 38:8), symbolizing devotion and self-reflection in avodat Hashem (service of G-d).
  • The Gemara (Zevachim 19b) states that a kohen who neglects this washing invalidates his service, underscoring its halachic necessity.
  • The water had to be drawn fresh each time—stagnant water was invalid (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 5:4), teaching that spiritual renewal must be constant.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 33b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the placement of the laver (kiyor) and its significance in the Temple service.
📖 Zevachim 22a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper locations and uses of the laver for priestly washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the laver (kior) in Exodus 40:30?
A: The laver (כִּיּוֹר - kior) was a basin filled with water used by the Kohanim (priests) to wash their hands and feet before performing service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that this washing was necessary to sanctify themselves before approaching the altar or entering the Tent of Meeting, as commanded in Exodus 30:19-21.
Q: Why was the laver placed between the Tent of Meeting and the altar?
A: The placement between the Tent of Meeting and the altar (Exodus 40:30) was strategic. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) teaches that this location ensured the Kohanim would pass it when moving between the altar (where sacrifices were offered) and the Tent (where they performed other services). This reminded them to purify themselves before any sacred duty.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Kohanim washing their hands and feet?
A: The washing teaches the importance of preparation and sanctity before performing mitzvot (commandments). Rambam (Hilchot Bi'at HaMikdash 5:1-2) derives from this that one must approach holy matters with cleanliness and proper intent. Today, we apply this by washing hands (netilat yadayim) before prayer or eating bread, symbolizing spiritual readiness.
Q: Was the water in the laver used for anything besides washing?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 19b) states the water was exclusively for the Kohanim's ritual washing. However, Rashi (on Exodus 30:18) notes the laver was made from the mirrors of Jewish women, symbolizing devotion—teaching that even mundane items (like mirrors) can become holy when used for a sacred purpose.
Q: Does the laver have any significance in Judaism today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan's laver, its concept continues in several ways: 1) The mitzvah of washing hands before prayer or meals (based on its sanctity principle). 2) Kohanim still wash hands before the Birkat Kohanim (priestly blessing). 3) It reminds us that physical cleanliness can lead to spiritual purity (Talmud Berachot 53b).