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Exodus 36:31 - Divine blueprint in wooden bars

Exodus 36:31 - שמות 36:31

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ בְּרִיחֵי עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים חֲמִשָּׁה לְקַרְשֵׁי צֶלַע־הַמִּשְׁכָּן הָאֶחָת׃

English Translation

And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Transliteration

Va'ya'as brikhei atzei shitim khamisha l'karshai tzela-hamishkan ha'ekhat.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֥עַשׂ בְּרִיחֵ֖י עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים חֲמִשָּׁ֕ה לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י צֶֽלַע־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן הָאֶחָֽת׃
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ בְּרִיחֵ֖י עֲצֵ֣י שִׁטִּ֑ים חֲמִשָּׁ֕ה לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י צֶֽלַע־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן הָאֶחָֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the construction of the bars (berichim) made from shittim wood (acacia wood) for the Mishkan (Tabernacle). These bars were used to hold the boards (kerashim) of the Mishkan together, ensuring structural integrity. The number five corresponds to the five bars mentioned here for one side of the Mishkan.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Exodus 26:26) explains that these five bars were arranged horizontally across the boards of the Mishkan. He notes that the middle bar was unique—it extended the entire length of the Mishkan from end to end, passing through holes in the centers of the boards. The other four bars were divided into two sets on either side of the middle bar.

Symbolism of the Shittim Wood

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:2) teaches that the shittim wood symbolizes the Jewish people's resilience and humility. Just as the shittim tree thrives in harsh conditions, the Jewish people endure challenges while remaining steadfast in their faith. Additionally, the wood's durability represents the eternal nature of the Torah and the Mishkan's sanctity.

Structural Significance

The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) derives from this verse that the Mishkan's construction required precision and unity. The five bars ensured that the boards remained firmly connected, reflecting the unity of the Jewish people in serving Hashem. The middle bar, in particular, symbolizes the centrality of Torah in binding the nation together.

Lessons from the Five Bars

  • Unity: The bars held the Mishkan's structure together, teaching the importance of unity in communal service of Hashem.
  • Torah as the Central Pillar: The middle bar's unbroken length emphasizes the Torah's role as the foundation of Jewish life.
  • Strength in Humility: The shittim wood, though strong, was unassuming, reminding us to serve Hashem with both strength and humility.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'bars of shittim wood' mentioned in Exodus 36:31?
A: The 'bars of shittim wood' (עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים) were horizontal beams used to hold together the wooden boards of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, these bars provided stability and kept the structure firm. Shittim wood (acacia) was chosen because it was durable and readily available in the wilderness.
Q: Why were there specifically five bars for one side of the Mishkan?
A: The five bars corresponded to the five wooden boards on one side of the Mishkan. The Midrash explains that the number five often symbolizes strength and completeness in Jewish tradition. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) also notes that the precise measurements and numbers in the Mishkan's construction reflect divine wisdom and order.
Q: What is the significance of the Mishkan's construction details in this verse?
A: The detailed construction of the Mishkan, including the bars of shittim wood, teaches us about the importance of precision and care in fulfilling mitzvot (commandments). The Talmud (Yoma 72a) compares the Mishkan's craftsmanship to the way we should build our spiritual lives—with strength, unity, and attention to detail.
Q: How does the use of shittim wood apply to us today?
A: Shittim wood, a simple yet strong material, reminds us that holiness can be found in everyday objects when used for a sacred purpose. The Kli Yakar explains that just as the Mishkan was built from humble materials, we too can elevate ordinary actions into mitzvot by dedicating them to serving Hashem.