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Exodus 36:13 - Unity through golden connections

Exodus 36:13 - שמות 36:13

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ חֲמִשִּׁים קַרְסֵי זָהָב וַיְחַבֵּר אֶת־הַיְרִעֹת אַחַת אֶל־אַחַת בַּקְּרָסִים וַיְהִי הַמִּשְׁכָּן אֶחָד׃

English Translation

And he made fifty golden clasps, and coupled the curtain one to another with the clasps: so that the tabernacle was one.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as chamishim karsei zahav vay'chaber et-hay'ri'ot achat el-achat bak'rasim vay'hi hamishkan echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֕עַשׂ חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים קַרְסֵ֣י זָהָ֑ב וַיְחַבֵּ֨ר אֶת־הַיְרִיעֹ֜ת אַחַ֤ת אֶל־אַחַת֙ בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים וַיְהִ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן אֶחָֽד׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיַּ֕עַשׂ חֲמִשִּׁ֖ים קַרְסֵ֣י זָהָ֑ב וַיְחַבֵּ֨ר אֶת־הַיְרִיעֹ֜ת אַחַ֤ת אֶל־אַחַת֙ בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים וַיְהִ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן אֶחָֽד׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Unity of the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 36:13) describes the joining of the curtains of the Mishkan with golden clasps (קרסי זהב), resulting in the Mishkan becoming "one" (ויהי המשכן אחד). Rashi explains that these clasps symbolize unity, as they physically connected the separate curtains into a single structure. The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 3) further elaborates that this unity reflects the harmony required among the Jewish people, just as the Mishkan's components were joined together.

Symbolism of the Fifty Golden Clasps

The number fifty holds deep significance in Jewish thought. Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that fifty represents completion and transcendence, alluding to the fifty gates of understanding (שערי בינה) mentioned in Kabbalistic teachings. The golden clasps, made from the people's donations (Shemot 35:22), also signify the collective contribution of Klal Yisrael to the Mishkan's construction.

The Mishkan as a Microcosm of Am Yisrael

The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that the Mishkan serves as a model for the Jewish people—just as its parts were interconnected, so too must Jews be united. The Sforno emphasizes that the phrase "ויהי המשכן אחד" teaches that despite the diversity of materials and craftsmen, the Mishkan functioned as a singular entity, mirroring the ideal state of Klal Yisrael.

  • Rashi: The clasps unified the curtains, just as mitzvot unite the Jewish people.
  • Ramban: The number fifty alludes to spiritual elevation and the completion of the Mishkan's structure.
  • Midrash Tanchuma: The Mishkan's unity serves as a lesson for communal harmony.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the golden clasps in Exodus 36:13?
A: The golden clasps (קַרְסֵי זָהָב) were used to connect the curtains of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) together, symbolizing unity. Rashi explains that these clasps were essential for joining the separate sections into one cohesive structure, representing the unity of the Jewish people in serving Hashem.
Q: Why were there exactly fifty golden clasps in the Mishkan?
A: The number fifty corresponds to the fifty gates of understanding (Binah) mentioned in Kabbalah (see Zohar). The Midrash teaches that this number also reflects the unity of the Jewish people, just as the fifty clasps held the Mishkan together as one.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Mishkan being made 'one' through the clasps?
A: The Mishkan's unity teaches us the importance of harmony in communal service of Hashem. The Rambam emphasizes that just as the clasps joined the curtains, Jews must work together to create a dwelling place for the Divine Presence in this world.
Q: How does the construction of the Mishkan apply to us today?
A: The Talmud (Shabbat 133b) teaches that we must emulate the beauty and precision of the Mishkan in our mitzvot. Just as the golden clasps unified the Mishkan, we should strive for unity and excellence in our spiritual service today.
Q: What materials were used for the Mishkan's clasps and why?
A: The Torah specifies gold for the clasps. The Kli Yakar explains that gold represents both physical beauty and spiritual purity, showing that the Mishkan's unity was achieved through both material excellence and holy intent.