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Exodus 26:35 - Table north, menorah south: why?

Exodus 26:35 - שמות 26:35

Hebrew Text

וְשַׂמְתָּ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן מִחוּץ לַפָּרֹכֶת וְאֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה נֹכַח הַשֻּׁלְחָן עַל צֶלַע הַמִּשְׁכָּן תֵּימָנָה וְהַשֻּׁלְחָן תִּתֵּן עַל־צֶלַע צָפוֹן׃

English Translation

And thou shalt set the table outside the veil, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

Transliteration

Vesamta et-hashulchan michutz laparochet ve'et-hamenorah nochach hashulchan al tzela hamishkan teimanah vehashulchan titen al-tzela tzafon.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשַׂמְתָּ֤ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ מִח֣וּץ לַפָּרֹ֔כֶת וְאֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה֙ נֹ֣כַח הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן עַ֛ל צֶ֥לַע הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן תֵּימָ֑נָה וְהַ֨שֻּׁלְחָ֔ן תִּתֵּ֖ן עַל־צֶ֥לַע צָפֽוֹן׃
וְשַׂמְתָּ֤ אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ מִח֣וּץ לַפָּרֹ֔כֶת וְאֶת־הַמְּנֹרָה֙ נֹ֣כַח הַשֻּׁלְחָ֔ן עַ֛ל צֶ֥לַע הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן תֵּימָ֑נָה וְהַ֨שֻּׁלְחָ֔ן תִּתֵּ֖ן עַל־צֶ֥לַע צָפֽוֹן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Placement of the Shulchan and Menorah in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 26:35) describes the arrangement of the Shulchan (Table) and the Menorah (Candelabrum) in the Mishkan. According to Rashi, the Shulchan was placed on the northern side of the Mishkan, while the Menorah was positioned opposite it on the southern side. This arrangement symbolizes the balance between material sustenance (represented by the Shulchan, which held the Lechem HaPanim) and spiritual enlightenment (represented by the Menorah's light).

Symbolism of the Directions

The Talmud (Bava Batra 25b) discusses the significance of the directions mentioned in the verse:

  • North (צָפוֹן): The Shulchan's placement in the north alludes to material prosperity, as cold winds come from the north, and wealth is described as "hidden" (צָפוּן) like the treasures of snow (Iyov 38:22).
  • South (תֵּימָנָה): The Menorah's placement in the south represents wisdom and Torah, as the light of wisdom is associated with the warmth and brightness of the southern direction.

The Relationship Between the Shulchan and Menorah

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) explains that the Menorah was placed "נֹכַח הַשֻּׁלְחָן" (opposite the Shulchan) to teach that material sustenance (Shulchan) must always be directed toward spiritual purpose (Menorah). The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:12) emphasizes that the precise placement reflects the harmony between physical and spiritual needs in the service of Hashem.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Mishnah (Tamid 3:9) details how the Kohen would tend to the Menorah while facing the Shulchan, reinforcing the connection between the two. This teaches that even when engaging in spiritual acts (lighting the Menorah), one must remain mindful of the physical needs of the community (symbolized by the Shulchan).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 98b
The verse is discussed in relation to the positioning of the table and the menorah in the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of their placement as described in the Torah.
📖 Yoma 33b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the arrangement of the Temple vessels and their significance in the service of the Temple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of placing the table on the north side and the menorah on the south side in the Tabernacle?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, the placement of the table (Shulchan) on the north side and the menorah on the south side symbolizes balance in serving Hashem. The table, which held the showbread (Lechem HaPanim), represents material sustenance, while the menorah, which provided light, represents spiritual enlightenment. Their placement opposite each other teaches that both physical and spiritual needs must be properly balanced in serving G-d.
Q: Why was the table placed outside the parochet (veil) in the Tabernacle?
A: The table was placed outside the parochet in the Holy (Kodesh) section of the Mishkan, as it was used by the kohanim (priests) for the Lechem HaPanim (showbread). The parochet separated the Holy of Holies (Kodesh HaKodashim), where the Ark was kept, from the rest of the Mishkan. The Talmud (Menachot 96b) explains that the table's placement signifies that material blessings (represented by bread) must be sanctified in the service of Hashem, but they remain secondary to the purely spiritual realm of the Holy of Holies.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the arrangement of the table and menorah in the Mishkan?
A: The arrangement teaches us the importance of balancing physical and spiritual life. The Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os 3:3) explains that a person should not neglect their material needs in pursuit of spirituality, nor should they become overly immersed in physical pleasures. Just as the table (material) and menorah (spiritual) were placed opposite each other in harmony, we must find equilibrium in serving Hashem with both our physical and spiritual faculties.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the exact placement of the table and menorah in the Mishkan?
A: The precise placement teaches that every detail in the Mishkan had divine significance. The Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 9) explains that the Mishkan was a microcosm of the universe, and its arrangement reflected deeper spiritual truths. The table's position on the north and the menorah on the south correspond to cosmic forces, showing that the Mishkan was a place where heaven and earth connected. This teaches us that even physical spaces can be sanctified when arranged according to Hashem's will.