Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'ark' mentioned in Exodus 35:12?
A: The 'ark' (אָרוֹן) refers to the Ark of the Covenant (אֲרוֹן הַבְּרִית), a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It held the Tablets of the Ten Commandments and was kept in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. Rashi explains that the ark symbolizes the Torah and G-d's presence among the Jewish people.
Q: Why does the verse mention the 'poles' of the ark?
A: The poles (בַּדָּיו) were used to carry the ark, as it was forbidden to touch the ark directly (see II Samuel 6:6-7). The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:12) teaches that these poles were never to be removed, emphasizing that the Torah is always 'portable' and accessible to the Jewish people wherever they go.
Q: What is the 'covering' (כַּפֹּרֶת) in Exodus 35:12?
A: The covering (כַּפֹּרֶת), also called the 'mercy seat,' was the golden lid placed on top of the ark. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) explains that it was from between the two golden cherubim on the covering that G-d's voice would emanate when speaking to Moses. It symbolizes atonement and divine communication.
Q: What was the purpose of the 'veil of the screen' (פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ)?
A: The veil (פָּרֹכֶת) was a thick curtain that separated the Holy of Holies (where the ark was kept) from the rest of the Tabernacle. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:3) teaches that it represented the separation between the physical and spiritual worlds, reminding us of the sanctity of G-d's presence.
Q: Why is this verse about the Tabernacle's vessels important today?
A: Although we no longer have the Tabernacle or Temple, the Talmud (Berachot 8a) teaches that studying these vessels is considered as if we built them. The ark reminds us to cherish Torah, the covering symbolizes repentance, and the veil teaches respect for holiness. These values remain central to Jewish life.
The Ark and Its Components
The verse (Exodus 35:12) lists key components of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), beginning with the Ark (אֶת־הָאָרֹן). Rashi explains that the Ark housed the Luchot HaBrit (Tablets of the Covenant), symbolizing the Torah's centrality in Jewish life. The Ark's construction from acacia wood overlaid with gold (Exodus 25:10-11) represents the synthesis of humility (wood) and spiritual grandeur (gold), as noted by the Kli Yakar.
The Poles (בַּדָּיו)
The poles were permanently inserted into the Ark's rings (Exodus 25:15), never to be removed. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) derives from this that Torah scholars must remain steadfast in their study, avoiding detachment from their sacred mission. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 2:12) emphasizes their functional role in transport, ensuring the Ark’s sanctity was preserved during travel.
The Covering (הַכַּפֹּרֶת)
The Kaporet, crafted from pure gold with two Cherubim (Exodus 25:17-20), served as the Ark’s lid. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) teaches that the Cherubim faced each other when Bnei Yisrael fulfilled Hashem’s will, symbolizing divine love. The Or HaChaim adds that the Kaporet atoned for sins, as it was the site of the Kohen Gadol’s Yom Kippur service (Leviticus 16:14-15).
The Veil of the Screen (פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ)
The Parochet separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Mishkan. Rashi (Exodus 26:31) notes its intricate craftsmanship of blue, purple, and crimson wool, representing heavenly splendor. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) states it concealed the Ark, teaching that Torah’s deepest mysteries are inaccessible to all but the most devoted. The Malbim highlights its role as a boundary, reminding us of the reverence due to sacred space.