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Exodus 26:33 - Divider between sacred and holiest

Exodus 26:33 - שמות 26:33

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתָּה אֶת־הַפָּרֹכֶת תַּחַת הַקְּרָסִים וְהֵבֵאתָ שָׁמָּה מִבֵּית לַפָּרֹכֶת אֵת אֲרוֹן הָעֵדוּת וְהִבְדִּילָה הַפָּרֹכֶת לָכֶם בֵּין הַקֹּדֶשׁ וּבֵין קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים׃

English Translation

And thou shalt hang up the veil under the clasps, that thou mayst bring in there within the veil the ark of the Testimony: and the veil shall be for you as a division between the holy place and the most holy.

Transliteration

Venatata et-haparokhet tachat hakrasim veheveita shamah mibeit laparokhet et aron ha'edut vehivdila haparokhet lachem bein hakodesh uvein kodesh hakodashim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתָּ֣ה אֶת־הַפָּרֹ֘כֶת֮ תַּ֣חַת הַקְּרָסִים֒ וְהֵבֵאתָ֥ שָׁ֙מָּה֙ מִבֵּ֣ית לַפָּרֹ֔כֶת אֵ֖ת אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵד֑וּת וְהִבְדִּילָ֤ה הַפָּרֹ֙כֶת֙ לָכֶ֔ם בֵּ֣ין הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ וּבֵ֖ין קֹ֥דֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃
וְנָתַתָּ֣ה אֶת־הַפָּרֹ֘כֶת֮ תַּ֣חַת הַקְּרָסִים֒ וְהֵבֵאתָ֥ שָׁ֙מָּה֙ מִבֵּ֣ית לַפָּרֹ֔כֶת אֵ֖ת אֲר֣וֹן הָעֵד֑וּת וְהִבְדִּילָ֤ה הַפָּרֹ֙כֶת֙ לָכֶ֔ם בֵּ֣ין הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ וּבֵ֖ין קֹ֥דֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִֽׁים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Parochet as a Divine Separation

The verse (Shemot 26:33) describes the placement of the Parochet (veil) in the Mishkan, separating the Kodesh (Holy Place) from the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies). Rashi explains that the Parochet served as a physical and symbolic barrier, ensuring that even the Kohanim, who served in the Kodesh, could not enter the innermost sanctum except for the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur. This separation underscores the gradations of holiness in the Mishkan.

The Ark of the Testimony Behind the Parochet

The verse specifies that the Aron HaEdut (Ark of the Testimony) was placed behind the Parochet. Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechira 4:1) elaborates that the Ark was the focal point of the Kodesh HaKodashim, containing the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant). The Parochet thus served to shield this most sacred object, emphasizing its supreme sanctity.

Symbolism of the Parochet

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) teaches that the Parochet represents the separation between the physical and spiritual realms. Just as the Parochet concealed the Ark from view, so too does the physical world conceal the divine presence. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) further notes that the Parochet was woven with intricate designs of cherubim, symbolizing the heavenly realm beyond human perception.

Practical Halachic Implications

  • The Parochet had to be hung precisely beneath the kerasim (clasps) connecting the Mishkan's curtains, as emphasized by Rashi, ensuring structural and symbolic alignment.
  • Only the Kohen Gadol could pass through the Parochet, and only on Yom Kippur, as detailed in Vayikra 16:2 (Talmud Yoma 52b).
  • The thickness of the Parochet is described in the Talmud (Yoma 72a) as a handbreadth, reflecting its role as a substantial, not merely symbolic, barrier.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 51b
The verse is discussed in relation to the structure of the Temple and the separation between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies.
📖 Menachot 98a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the dimensions and placement of the Parochet (veil) in the Tabernacle and Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the parochet (veil) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: The parochet served as a divider between the Kodesh (Holy Place) and the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies), as stated in Exodus 26:33. According to Rashi, it symbolized the separation between areas of different levels of holiness, with the Holy of Holies being the most sacred space where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.
Q: Why was the Ark of the Testimony placed behind the parochet?
A: The Ark of the Testimony, containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments, was placed in the Kodesh HaKodashim behind the parochet because it represented the highest level of holiness and closeness to the Divine Presence (Shechinah). The Talmud (Yoma 52b) explains that this separation emphasized the sanctity and inaccessibility of the Ark, which could only be approached by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on Yom Kippur.
Q: What can we learn from the separation between the Kodesh and Kodesh HaKodashim?
A: The separation teaches us about the gradations of holiness in Jewish life. Just as the Mishkan had different levels of sanctity, our daily lives also have moments and spaces of varying holiness. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) explains that this structure reminds us to approach sacred matters with reverence and proper preparation.
Q: How does the concept of the parochet apply today without the Temple?
A: While we no longer have the physical parochet, the idea of creating boundaries for holiness remains relevant. For example, the mechitza (divider) in synagogues between men and women reflects this concept of separation for sanctity. Additionally, the way we designate sacred spaces (like a home's Shabbat table) or times (like Shabbat and holidays) continues this tradition of creating distinctions for holiness.
Q: What materials were used to make the parochet according to Jewish tradition?
A: The parochet was made of fine twisted linen dyed blue, purple, and scarlet, with woven cherubim designs (Exodus 26:31). The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 50:1) elaborates that these materials and colors represented different aspects of divine service and the heavenly realm. The cherubim symbolized the relationship between the Jewish people and the Divine.