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Exodus 26:1 - Divine artistry in sacred curtains

Exodus 26:1 - שמות 26:1

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּן תַּעֲשֶׂה עֶשֶׂר יְרִיעֹת שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר וּתְכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתֹלַעַת שָׁנִי כְּרֻבִים מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב תַּעֲשֶׂה אֹתָם׃

English Translation

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with keruvim of artistic work shalt thou make them.

Transliteration

Ve'et-hamishkan ta'aseh eser yeriot shesh mashzar utkhelet ve'argaman vetola'at shani k'ruvim ma'aseh khoshev ta'aseh otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֥ן תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה עֶ֣שֶׂר יְרִיעֹ֑ת שֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֗ר וּתְכֵ֤לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן֙ וְתֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י כְּרֻבִ֛ים מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֖ב תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָֽם׃
וְאֶת־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֥ן תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה עֶ֣שֶׂר יְרִיעֹ֑ת שֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֗ר וּתְכֵ֤לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן֙ וְתֹלַ֣עַת שָׁנִ֔י כְּרֻבִ֛ים מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֖ב תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה אֹתָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Materials and Construction of the Mishkan's Curtains

The verse describes the ten curtains (yeriot) that formed the inner covering of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). These curtains were made of:

  • Fine twined linen (shesh mashzar): Rashi (Exodus 26:1) explains that this refers to linen threads spun with six strands, indicating the highest quality and durability.
  • Blue (techelet), purple (argaman), and scarlet (tola'at shani): These colors symbolize different aspects of divine service. The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that these colors correspond to the heavens (blue), royalty (purple), and atonement (scarlet).

The Keruvim (Cherubim) on the Curtains

The verse states that the curtains were to be adorned with keruvim (cherubim) made by a skilled artisan (ma'aseh choshev). According to the Talmud (Yoma 72b), the keruvim were woven into the fabric, not embroidered on top, demonstrating the highest level of craftsmanship.

  • Symbolism of the Keruvim: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) teaches that the keruvim represent the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people—one with a childlike face (symbolizing innocence) and one with the face of an adult (symbolizing wisdom).
  • Artistic Work (ma'aseh choshev): The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:14) explains that this refers to a double-sided weave, where the design was visible identically on both sides, a miraculous feat of craftsmanship.

Spiritual Significance of the Ten Curtains

The Zohar (Terumah 129a) connects the ten curtains to the Ten Commandments, suggesting that just as the Torah is the foundation of Jewish life, the Mishkan's structure reflects divine wisdom. Additionally, the Sforno (Exodus 26:1) emphasizes that the unity of the ten curtains symbolizes the unity of the Jewish people in serving Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the materials and construction of the Tabernacle, comparing it to the Torah and its study.
📖 Shabbat 99a
Mentioned in the context of the craftsmanship and materials used in the Tabernacle, emphasizing the skill required for its construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the ten curtains of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) made of?
A: The ten curtains of the Mishkan are made of fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר) and three special dyes: blue (תְּכֵלֶת), purple (אַרְגָּמָן), and scarlet (תֹּלַעַת שָׁנִי). They also feature artistic designs of keruvim (כְּרֻבִים), woven with skilled craftsmanship (מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב). Rashi explains that the keruvim were woven into the fabric, not embroidered on top.
Q: Why are the colors blue, purple, and scarlet significant in the Mishkan?
A: The colors blue (תְּכֵלֶת), purple (אַרְגָּמָן), and scarlet (תֹּלַעַת שָׁנִי) represent royalty, holiness, and the divine presence. The Midrash teaches that these colors correspond to spiritual concepts: blue resembles the sea and heaven (reminding us of G-d's throne), purple signifies majesty, and scarlet recalls atonement. Rambam notes that these materials were costly and reflected the honor due to the Mishkan as G-d's dwelling place.
Q: What is the meaning of the keruvim (cherubim) on the curtains?
A: The keruvim woven into the Mishkan's curtains symbolize the heavenly beings that serve G-d. The Talmud (Chagigah 13b) explains that keruvim represent spiritual guardianship and closeness to the Divine. Rashi adds that their presence on the curtains reminds us that just as the keruvim face each other in the Holy of Holies (Exodus 25:20), the Mishkan is a place where heaven and earth connect.
Q: Why does the Torah specify 'artistic work' (מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב) for the Mishkan's construction?
A: The term 'מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב' (artistic work) emphasizes that the Mishkan's craftsmanship had to be done with wisdom, skill, and intention. The Ramban explains that this teaches us that serving G-d requires our best efforts—both in physical actions and spiritual devotion. The Sages also derive from this that beauty and excellence in mitzvah performance (hiddur mitzvah) are important.
Q: How does the Mishkan's design apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the physical Mishkan, the Talmud (Berachos 8a) teaches that synagogues and study halls are considered 'miniature sanctuaries.' The Mishkan's details remind us to approach prayer and Torah study with the same reverence, beauty, and attention to detail. Just as the Mishkan's materials were chosen carefully, we too should elevate our actions with holiness.