Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'taĥash' covering mentioned in Numbers 4:10?
A: The 'taĥash' (תַּחַשׁ) was a special type of animal skin used to cover the sacred vessels of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during transport. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Shabbat 28a), the taĥash was a colorful, possibly multi-hued animal that existed only during the time of the Mishkan's construction and was used specifically for this holy purpose.
Q: Why were the Mishkan's vessels covered with taĥash skins during travel?
A: The covering served both a practical and spiritual purpose. Practically, it protected the holy vessels from dirt and damage during transport. Spiritually, as the Rambam explains (Hilchot Kelei HaMikdash 10:4), covering the vessels demonstrated reverence for their sanctity, ensuring they were not exposed or treated casually while being moved.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the careful covering of the Mishkan's vessels?
A: This teaches us the importance of treating holy objects with respect. Just as the Israelites carefully covered and transported the Mishkan's vessels, we learn from the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:17) to handle sacred items—like Torah scrolls, tefillin, and mezuzot—with proper care and reverence in our daily lives.
Q: Why does the verse mention placing the covered vessels 'upon a bar'?
A: Rashi explains that the 'bar' (מוֹט) refers to a carrying pole or frame used by the Levites to transport the covered vessels. This detail emphasizes that even when protected, the holy items required a designated method of transport—showing that both the objects and the process of moving them required sanctity and order.
Q: How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the Mishkan's transport?
A: This verse is part of a larger section (Numbers 4) detailing how each family of Levi'im had specific responsibilities when dismantling and moving the Mishkan. The emphasis on covering the vessels, as noted in the Talmud (Yoma 54a), highlights the precision and care required in serving Hashem—even in logistical matters.
Explanation of the Verse (Exodus 39:34)
The verse describes the covering of the Mishkan's vessels with taĥash skins (עוֹר תָּחַשׁ) and their placement upon carrying bars (הַמּוֹט) during travel. This instruction pertains to the transportation of the sacred items in the wilderness.
Meaning of "Taĥash Skins"
Rashi (Exodus 25:5) explains that the taĥash was a colorful, multi-hued creature that existed temporarily during the construction of the Mishkan. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 6) elaborates that it was a unique, kosher animal with a single horn, created specifically for this purpose and later hidden away.
Purpose of the Covering
According to Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:11), the covering of taĥash skins served both a practical and symbolic function:
Transportation on the Bar (הַמּוֹט)
The Talmud (Shabbat 98a) discusses how the Levites carried the Mishkan’s components on wooden bars (מוֹטוֹת). The Ramban (Exodus 25:13) notes that these bars ensured the vessels were not directly handled, preserving their holiness.
Symbolic Lessons
The Kli Yakar (Exodus 25:5) teaches that the temporary nature of the taĥash symbolizes the transient yet elevated state of the Mishkan’s journey—just as the Jewish people traveled through the wilderness toward Eretz Yisrael, so too must holiness be carefully protected in transition.