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Exodus 27:5 - Altar's hidden foundation revealed

Exodus 27:5 - שמות 27:5

Hebrew Text

וְנָתַתָּה אֹתָהּ תַּחַת כַּרְכֹּב הַמִּזְבֵּחַ מִלְּמָטָּה וְהָיְתָה הָרֶשֶׁת עַד חֲצִי הַמִּזְבֵּחַ׃

English Translation

And thou shalt put it under the ledge of the altar beneath, that the net may reach to the midst of the altar.

Transliteration

Venatata ota tachat karkov hamizbe'ach milmata vehayta hareshet ad chatzi hamizbe'ach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָתַתָּ֣ה אֹתָ֗הּ תַּ֛חַת כַּרְכֹּ֥ב הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ מִלְּמָ֑טָּה וְהָיְתָ֣ה הָרֶ֔שֶׁת עַ֖ד חֲצִ֥י הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃
וְנָתַתָּ֣ה אֹתָ֗הּ תַּ֛חַת כַּרְכֹּ֥ב הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ מִלְּמָ֑טָּה וְהָיְתָ֣ה הָרֶ֔שֶׁת עַ֖ד חֲצִ֥י הַמִּזְבֵּֽחַ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and Source

The verse (Shemot 27:5) describes the placement of the copper grating (reshet) beneath the outer altar (mizbe'ach hanechoshet) in the Mishkan. This detail is part of the broader instructions for constructing the altar, emphasizing its structural and functional design.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 27:5) clarifies that the reshet (grating) was placed "under the ledge (karkov) of the altar from below", meaning it was positioned beneath the surrounding ledge that protruded from the altar's midpoint. He explains that the grating extended downward to the midpoint of the altar's height, serving both a structural and symbolic purpose.

Purpose of the Grating

  • Structural Support: The reshet provided stability to the altar, ensuring the integrity of its construction (Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 2:5).
  • Ash Collection: The Talmud (Zevachim 59b) teaches that the grating allowed ashes from sacrifices to fall beneath it, keeping the altar's surface clean for ongoing offerings.
  • Symbolic Elevation: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) suggests that the placement of the grating at the midpoint signifies the balance between physical service (below) and spiritual devotion (above).

Halachic Insights

The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:7) emphasizes that the precise placement of the reshet was essential for the altar's sanctity. Any deviation in its positioning could invalidate the altar's use for sacrifices, underscoring the Torah's meticulous attention to detail in divine service.

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar (Shemot 27:5) derives a moral lesson: Just as the grating supported the altar and filtered impurities, a person must establish a "spiritual grating" in their heart—a framework of mitzvot and moral boundaries to elevate their actions and discard negative influences.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the net mentioned in Exodus 27:5?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 59b), the net (רֶשֶׁת) under the altar served a practical purpose—it allowed the ashes from the sacrifices to fall through to the ground below while keeping the structure of the altar intact. This design ensured cleanliness and proper maintenance of the Mizbeach (altar).
Q: Why was the net placed halfway up the altar?
A: The Torah specifies that the net reached 'to the midst of the altar' (חֲצִי הַמִּזְבֵּחַ) to create a separation between the upper part, where sacrifices were burned, and the lower part, where ashes collected. The Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 2:6) explains that this division helped maintain the sanctity and functionality of the altar.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the design of the altar in Exodus 27:5?
A: The careful design of the Mizbeach teaches us the importance of order and respect in sacred matters. Just as the net ensured the altar remained clean and functional, we learn from the Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 34:3) that every detail in Avodas Hashem (service of G-d) must be treated with precision and reverence.
Q: Does the description of the altar in Exodus 27:5 have any relevance today?
A: While the physical Mizbeach is not present today, the principles behind its design remain meaningful. The Talmud (Menachos 110a) teaches that acts of kindness and Torah study serve as substitutes for the altar. The attention to detail in the altar’s construction reminds us to approach mitzvos with care and devotion.