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Exodus 36:17 - Divine details in Mishkan construction

Exodus 36:17 - שמות 36:17

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ לֻלָאֹת חֲמִשִּׁים עַל שְׂפַת הַיְרִיעָה הַקִּיצֹנָה בַּמַּחְבָּרֶת וַחֲמִשִּׁים לֻלָאֹת עָשָׂה עַל־שְׂפַת הַיְרִיעָה הַחֹבֶרֶת הַשֵּׁנִית׃

English Translation

And he made fifty loops upon the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the first coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain of the second coupling.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as lula'ot chamishim al sfat hay'ri'a hakitzona bamachberet vachamishim lula'ot asa al-sfat hay'ri'a hachoheret hashenit.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֜עַשׂ לֻֽלָאֹ֣ת חֲמִשִּׁ֗ים עַ֚ל שְׂפַ֣ת הַיְרִיעָ֔ה הַקִּיצֹנָ֖ה בַּמַּחְבָּ֑רֶת וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻלָאֹ֗ת עָשָׂה֙ עַל־שְׂפַ֣ת הַיְרִיעָ֔ה הַחֹבֶ֖רֶת הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃
וַיַּ֜עַשׂ לֻֽלָאֹ֣ת חֲמִשִּׁ֗ים עַ֚ל שְׂפַ֣ת הַיְרִיעָ֔ה הַקִּיצֹנָ֖ה בַּמַּחְבָּ֑רֶת וַחֲמִשִּׁ֣ים לֻלָאֹ֗ת עָשָׂה֙ עַל־שְׂפַ֣ת הַיְרִיעָ֔ה הַחֹבֶ֖רֶת הַשֵּׁנִֽית׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 36:11) describes the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the making of loops (lula'ot) on the curtains (yeriot) that formed its covering. The loops were used to connect the curtains together with gold clasps, ensuring the Mishkan remained a unified structure.

Explanation of the Loops (Lula'ot)

Rashi explains that these loops were like small rings or eyelets made from the excess material of the curtains themselves, not separate attachments. This detail emphasizes the precision and unity in the Mishkan's construction—each component was intentionally designed to fit perfectly with the others.

  • Fifty Loops on Each Side: The symmetry of fifty loops on the edge of each curtain signifies balance and harmony in the Mishkan's structure, reflecting the divine order of Hashem's dwelling place.
  • Material Source: The Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 10) notes that the loops were formed from the same woven fabric as the curtains, symbolizing that holiness (kedushah) must be intrinsic, not externally imposed.

Symbolism of the Number Fifty

The number fifty carries deep significance in Jewish thought:

  • Connection to Shavuot: Fifty days link Pesach to Shavuot, representing the journey from physical liberation to spiritual revelation. Similarly, the fifty loops connect the curtains, unifying the Mishkan as a place of divine revelation.
  • Jubilee (Yovel): The fiftieth year symbolizes freedom and return to one's ancestral land (Vayikra 25:10). The loops may hint at the Mishkan as a microcosm of a redeemed world.

Practical and Spiritual Unity

The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:15) derives from this verse that the Mishkan's components were designed to interlock seamlessly, teaching that the service of Hashem requires both physical precision and spiritual intent. The loops ensured that the curtains would not separate, just as the Jewish people must remain united in their divine mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'loops' mentioned in Exodus 36:17?
A: The 'loops' (lula'ot in Hebrew) were small rings or eyelets made on the edges of the curtains of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, these loops were used to connect the curtains together with golden clasps, forming a unified structure for the Mishkan.
Q: Why were there exactly fifty loops on each curtain in the Mishkan?
A: The number fifty symbolizes completeness and unity in Jewish tradition. The fifty loops on each curtain ensured that the curtains could be perfectly joined together, representing harmony in the service of Hashem. The Midrash teaches that details like these highlight the precision required in fulfilling divine commandments.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed construction of the Mishkan's curtains?
A: The Torah's attention to detail teaches us the importance of precision and care in performing mitzvot (commandments). Just as the Mishkan's construction required exact measurements and craftsmanship, we should approach our spiritual duties with dedication and mindfulness, as emphasized by the Rambam in his writings on divine service.
Q: How does the joining of the Mishkan's curtains apply to Jewish life today?
A: The joining of the curtains symbolizes unity among the Jewish people. Just as the loops and clasps connected the curtains, we must strive to connect with one another in harmony. The Talmud (Shevuot 39a) teaches that all Jews are responsible for one another, reinforcing this idea of collective unity.