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Exodus 26:37 - Golden entrance to holiness?

Exodus 26:37 - שמות 26:37

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ לַמָּסָךְ חֲמִשָּׁה עַמּוּדֵי שִׁטִּים וְצִפִּיתָ אֹתָם זָהָב וָוֵיהֶם זָהָב וְיָצַקְתָּ לָהֶם חֲמִשָּׁה אַדְנֵי נְחֹשֶׁת׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make for the screen five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Transliteration

Ve'asita lamasech chamisha amudei shitim vetzipita otam zahav vaveihem zahab veyatzakta lahem chamisha adnei nechoshet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ לַמָּסָ֗ךְ חֲמִשָּׁה֙ עַמּוּדֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֔ים וְצִפִּיתָ֤ אֹתָם֙ זָהָ֔ב וָוֵיהֶ֖ם זָהָ֑ב וְיָצַקְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֔ם חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה אַדְנֵ֥י נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ לַמָּסָ֗ךְ חֲמִשָּׁה֙ עַמּוּדֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֔ים וְצִפִּיתָ֤ אֹתָם֙ זָהָ֔ב וָוֵיהֶ֖ם זָהָ֑ב וְיָצַקְתָּ֣ לָהֶ֔ם חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה אַדְנֵ֥י נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Screen and Its Pillars in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 26:37) describes the construction of the masach (screen) at the entrance of the Mishkan, supported by five amudei shittim (acacia wood pillars) overlaid with gold. Rashi explains that this screen served as the entrance to the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting), separating the Kodesh (Holy Place) from the outer courtyard. The number five corresponds to the five books of the Torah, symbolizing that entry into holiness is governed by Torah principles.

Symbolism of the Materials

  • Shittim Wood: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) teaches that the shittim wood represents resilience and humility, as it grows in harsh conditions. Just as the wood withstands challenges, so too must those who serve in the Mishkan embody steadfastness.
  • Gold Overlay: Ramban notes that the gold covering the wood signifies the refinement of physicality (gashmiyut) for a higher purpose. The wood (earthly material) is elevated by gold (spiritual splendor).
  • Brass Sockets: The adnei nechoshet (brass sockets) at the base, as explained by the Kli Yakar, represent the grounding of holiness in practical reality. Brass, a durable material, signifies the need for strong foundations in avodat Hashem.

The Number Five and Its Significance

The Talmud (Menachot 88a) associates the number five with the five levels of the soul (nefesh, ruach, neshamah, chayah, yechidah), suggesting that the pillars allude to the complete devotion required in divine service. Additionally, the five pillars mirror the five fingers of a hand, symbolizing action—indicating that holiness is attained through mitzvot in deed.

The Golden Hooks (Vavim)

Rashi emphasizes that the vavim (hooks) were made of gold to ensure uniformity in beauty and function. The Vilna Gaon adds that the hooks symbolize the connection (vav means "hook" but also the Hebrew letter vav, meaning "and") between the physical structure and its spiritual purpose, binding the pillars to the screen seamlessly.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'screen' mentioned in Exodus 26:37?
A: The 'screen' (מָסָךְ) refers to the entrance curtain of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, this was a beautifully woven curtain separating the Kodesh (Holy Place) from the outer courtyard, symbolizing the transition from the mundane to the sacred.
Q: Why were the pillars made of shittim wood and covered in gold?
A: Shittim wood (acacia) was durable and readily available in the wilderness, while the gold overlay represented holiness and purity. The Midrash teaches that the combination of wood (a humble material) and gold (a precious metal) teaches balance – we should remain grounded yet strive for spiritual refinement.
Q: What is the significance of the five pillars in Exodus 26:37?
A: The five pillars correspond to the five books of the Torah (Bereishit, Shemot, Vayikra, Bamidbar, Devarim), as taught in Kabbalistic sources. Just as these pillars supported the entrance to the Mishkan, the Torah is the foundation that allows us to enter into a relationship with Hashem.
Q: Why were the sockets made of brass (copper) instead of gold?
A: The Ramban explains that brass (נְחֹשֶׁת), being stronger than gold, was used for the sockets because they needed to bear the weight of the structure. This teaches that while spiritual beauty (gold) is important, practical foundations (brass) are equally necessary in serving Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Mishkan's entrance required beautiful but functional construction, our homes and synagogues should be both aesthetically uplifting and practically designed for Torah living. The Talmud (Berachot 8a) teaches that the beauty of a shul inspires proper reverence, just as the golden pillars enhanced the Mishkan.