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Exodus 26:5 - Divine blueprint for sacred connection

Exodus 26:5 - שמות 26:5

Hebrew Text

חֲמִשִּׁים לֻלָאֹת תַּעֲשֶׂה בַּיְרִיעָה הָאֶחָת וַחֲמִשִּׁים לֻלָאֹת תַּעֲשֶׂה בִּקְצֵה הַיְרִיעָה אֲשֶׁר בַּמַּחְבֶּרֶת הַשֵּׁנִית מַקְבִּילֹת הַלֻּלָאֹת אִשָּׁה אֶל־אֲחֹתָהּ׃

English Translation

Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling; that the loops may take hold one of another.

Transliteration

Chamishim lula'ot ta'aseh bayri'ah ha'achat vachamishim lula'ot ta'aseh bik'tseh hayri'ah asher bamachberet hashenit makbilot halula'ot ishah el-achotah.

Hebrew Leining Text

חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת תַּעֲשֶׂה֮ בַּיְרִיעָ֣ה הָאֶחָת֒ וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת תַּעֲשֶׂה֙ בִּקְצֵ֣ה הַיְרִיעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר בַּמַּחְבֶּ֣רֶת הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית מַקְבִּילֹת֙ הַלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָֽהּ׃
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת תַּעֲשֶׂה֮ בַּיְרִיעָ֣ה הָאֶחָת֒ וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת תַּעֲשֶׂה֙ בִּקְצֵ֣ה הַיְרִיעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֖ר בַּמַּחְבֶּ֣רֶת הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית מַקְבִּילֹת֙ הַלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת אִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל־אֲחֹתָֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse (Exodus 26:5)

The verse describes the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the joining of the curtains (yeriot) that formed its covering. The instruction to make fifty loops (lula'ot) on each curtain and to align them "one opposite the other" (isha el achota) ensures that the curtains are securely fastened together.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Exodus 26:5) explains that the loops were made of blue wool (tekhelet) and were attached to the edges of the curtains. The phrase isha el achota ("one opposite the other") means that the loops on one curtain aligned precisely with those on the adjoining curtain, allowing them to be connected with golden clasps (vavei zahav). This ensured the unity and stability of the Mishkan's structure.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Temple), Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes the precision required in constructing the Mishkan. The symmetry of the loops reflects the divine order and harmony in sacred spaces. Each detail, including the exact number (fifty), carries symbolic significance, representing completeness and connection to higher spiritual realms.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:6) connects the fifty loops to the fifty gates of understanding (nun sha'arei binah), suggesting that the Mishkan's construction mirrors spiritual ascent. Just as the loops joined the curtains, the Jewish people must unite in purpose to create a dwelling place for the Divine Presence.

Symbolism of the Loops

  • Unity: The loops symbolize the interconnectedness of the Jewish people, as they must work in harmony to fulfill their collective mission.
  • Divine Connection: The golden clasps represent the bond between heaven and earth, facilitated by the Mishkan.
  • Precision in Service: The exact count of fifty teaches that every detail in avodat Hashem (divine service) must be performed with care and intentionality.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'loops' (lula'ot) mentioned in Exodus 26:5?
A: The 'loops' (lula'ot) in Exodus 26:5 refer to the small loops or rings made on the edges of the curtains (yeriot) of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, these loops were used to connect the curtains together with golden clasps, ensuring the Mishkan would remain one unified structure.
Q: Why were there exactly fifty loops on each curtain in the Mishkan?
A: The number fifty is significant because it symbolizes unity and completeness in Jewish tradition. The Talmud (Menachot 29a) explains that the fifty loops on each curtain ensured perfect alignment when the curtains were joined, representing the harmony and precision required in serving Hashem. The Rambam also notes that this detail highlights the importance of careful craftsmanship in holy work.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the loops connecting the Mishkan's curtains?
A: The loops teach us about unity and cooperation. Just as the loops held the Mishkan's curtains together, we must strive to connect with others in holiness and shared purpose. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) compares this to the Jewish people—when we are united like the loops, we create a dwelling place for the Divine Presence.
Q: How does the construction of the Mishkan apply to us today?
A: While we no longer build the physical Mishkan, the Torah's details remind us to create holiness in our lives with care and unity. The Mishkan's loops symbolize how every detail in serving Hashem matters. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) explains that these teachings inspire us to build spiritual 'sanctuaries' through Torah study, mitzvot, and communal harmony.