Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 36:23 mean when it mentions 'twenty boards for the south side'?
A: This verse describes the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the wooden boards that formed its walls. The south side had 20 boards, as detailed in the Torah's instructions. Rashi explains that these boards were made of acacia wood and stood upright, forming the structure of the Mishkan. Each board had sockets of silver to hold them in place (Exodus 26:19).
Q: Why is the number of boards (20) important in Exodus 36:23?
A: The number 20 corresponds to the precise measurements Hashem commanded for the Mishkan's construction. The Talmud (Shabbat 98b) discusses how every detail of the Mishkan, including the number of boards, had spiritual significance. The exact count ensured the Mishkan would be a fitting dwelling place for the Divine Presence (Shechinah).
Q: What can we learn from the detailed construction of the Mishkan in Exodus 36:23?
A: The verse teaches us the importance of precision and dedication in fulfilling mitzvot. Just as Betzalel and the craftsmen carefully followed Hashem's instructions down to the number of boards, we must strive to perform mitzvot with attention to detail. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) derives from this that serving Hashem requires both proper intent and proper action.
Q: How does the Mishkan's construction apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the physical Mishkan, the Midrash (Tanchuma Terumah 11) teaches that every Jew must build a 'mishkan' in their heart—making space for Hashem's presence. Just as the boards supported the Mishkan's structure, our Torah learning and mitzvot create a spiritual foundation for divine service in our daily lives.
Q: Why does the Torah specify the 'south side' in Exodus 36:23?
A: Each direction in the Mishkan had symbolic meaning. The south, associated with wisdom (as in Bava Batra 25b), held the Menorah which represents Torah light. The Vilna Gaon explains that the 20 boards on the south allude to the 20 years a person spends growing in wisdom before serving Hashem fully (based on Avot 5:21). This teaches that proper divine service requires preparation and knowledge.
Explanation of the Verse
The verse (Shemot 36:23) describes the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the making of twenty wooden boards (kerashim) for the southern side. These boards formed the structural framework of the Mishkan, which was the portable sanctuary used by Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) explains that the boards were made of shittim wood (acacia), a durable material suited for the Mishkan's structure. He notes that the boards were upright (omdim), standing vertically rather than lying horizontally, emphasizing the stability and permanence of the Mishkan despite its portable nature.
Symbolism of the Twenty Boards
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:6) suggests that the number twenty corresponds to the twenty generations from Adam until Avraham Avinu, during which Hashem's presence was not fully revealed in a structured dwelling. The construction of the Mishkan with twenty boards symbolizes the rectification (tikkun) of those generations, allowing the Divine Presence to reside among Bnei Yisrael.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (3:45) discusses the Mishkan's design as a microcosm of the universe, with each component reflecting deeper spiritual truths. The twenty boards on the southern side may represent the completeness of the physical structure, as twenty is a number associated with wholeness in Jewish thought (e.g., the twenty letters in the Torah's first verse after "Bereishit").
Halachic Insights
The Talmud (Shabbat 98b) discusses the precise measurements and arrangement of the boards, emphasizing the importance of exactness in fulfilling the divine command. The boards were interconnected with silver sockets (adanim), symbolizing unity and mutual support among Klal Yisrael.