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Exodus 35:23 - Who brought Mishkan materials willingly?

Exodus 35:23 - שמות 35:23

Hebrew Text

וְכָל־אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נִמְצָא אִתּוֹ תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי וְשֵׁשׁ וְעִזִּים וְעֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים וְעֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים הֵבִיאוּ׃

English Translation

And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair, and red skins of rams, and taĥash skins, brought them.

Transliteration

Ve'chol-ish asher-nimtza ito techelet ve'argaman vetola'at shani veshesh ve'izim ve'orot eilim me'adamim ve'orot techashim hevi'u.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכׇל־אִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נִמְצָ֣א אִתּ֗וֹ תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ וְעִזִּ֑ים וְעֹרֹ֨ת אֵילִ֧ם מְאׇדָּמִ֛ים וְעֹרֹ֥ת תְּחָשִׁ֖ים הֵבִֽיאוּ׃
וְכׇל־אִ֞ישׁ אֲשֶׁר־נִמְצָ֣א אִתּ֗וֹ תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ וְעִזִּ֑ים וְעֹרֹ֨ת אֵילִ֧ם מְאׇדָּמִ֛ים וְעֹרֹ֥ת תְּחָשִׁ֖ים הֵבִֽיאוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Materials for the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 35:23) describes the voluntary contributions brought by the Israelites for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each material listed held symbolic significance in the service of Hashem, as explained by our Sages.

Significance of the Materials

  • Techelet (blue): Rashi explains that this blue dye came from the chilazon (a special sea creature) and was used in the priestly garments and the Mishkan's coverings. The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that techelet resembles the sea, which resembles the sky, which resembles the Divine Throne, reminding us of our connection to Hashem.
  • Argaman (purple) & Tola'at Shani (scarlet): These expensive dyes, as noted by Ramban, symbolized royalty and sacrifice. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:4) connects these colors to the attributes of justice (scarlet) and mercy (purple) in Divine service.
  • Shesh (fine linen): Ibn Ezra explains this was the highest quality linen, used for the priestly garments, representing purity in serving Hashem.

The Animal Materials

  • Goats' hair: The Malbim explains this was used for the outer covering of the Mishkan, representing protection and separation from worldly matters.
  • Red-dyed rams' skins: Rashi notes these formed the Mishkan's middle covering. The red color, according to Chizkuni, alludes to the sin offerings that would be brought in the Mishkan.
  • Tachash skins: The Talmud (Shabbat 28b) describes this as a rare, multi-colored animal that appeared specifically for the Mishkan's construction. Rambam (Hilchot Kelei Hamikdash 8:11) explains it was used for the outermost covering, protecting the sacred structure.

Collective Contribution

The Sforno emphasizes that the phrase "every man... brought them" shows how all Israelites participated according to their means. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 3) teaches that this collective effort created unity among the people in serving Hashem, with each material contributing to the sanctity of the Mishkan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What materials were donated for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in Exodus 35:23?
A: The verse lists several materials donated for building the Mishkan: blue wool (techelet), purple wool (argaman), scarlet wool (tola'at shani), fine linen (shesh), goats' hair, red-dyed ram skins, and tachash skins (a special type of animal hide). These were used for the Mishkan's curtains, coverings, and holy garments.
Q: Why were these specific materials used for the Mishkan?
A: Each material had symbolic and practical significance. The colorful wools (blue, purple, scarlet) represented royalty and holiness (Rashi on Exodus 25:3). Fine linen signified purity, while the durable skins provided protection. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) teaches that these materials paralleled the heavens and elements of creation, making the Mishkan a microcosm of the universe.
Q: What is the 'tachash' skin mentioned in Exodus 35:23?
A: The tachash was a rare, colorful animal (possibly a type of desert mammal or sea creature) that appeared temporarily for the Mishkan's construction (Talmud, Shabbat 28b). Its skin was used as the Mishkan's outermost covering (Rashi on Exodus 26:14). The Talmud explains it was a miraculous provision from Hashem specifically for this purpose.
Q: How does this verse teach about giving to holy causes?
A: The verse emphasizes voluntary giving ('every man... brought them'). The Rambam (Hilchot Matnot Aniyim 8:10) learns from this that donations to holy causes should be given willingly and joyfully. The materials were also of personal value—people gave what they cherished, not just leftovers (Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 5).
Q: Why is the color blue (techelet) significant in this verse?
A: Techelet (blue dye) represents the sea and sky, reminding us of Hashem's presence (Talmud, Menachot 43b). It was used in the Mishkan's curtains and later in tzitzit (fringes). The Sages teach (Chullin 89a) that techelet humbles us, as its color resembles the heavenly throne, putting earthly life in perspective.