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Exodus 36:35 - Divine artistry separates holy spaces

Exodus 36:35 - שמות 36:35

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ אֶת־הַפָּרֹכֶת תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי וְשֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב עָשָׂה אֹתָהּ כְּרֻבִים׃

English Translation

And he made a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with keruvim he made it, of artistic work.

Transliteration

Va'yaas et-haparochet techelet ve'argaman vetola'at shani veshesh mashzar ma'aseh choshev asah otah keruvim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֙עַשׂ֙ אֶת־הַפָּרֹ֔כֶת תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֛ב עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתָ֖הּ כְּרֻבִֽים׃
וַיַּ֙עַשׂ֙ אֶת־הַפָּרֹ֔כֶת תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חֹשֵׁ֛ב עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתָ֖הּ כְּרֻבִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Parochet and Its Materials

The verse describes the making of the Parochet (veil) that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi (Shemot 26:31), the Parochet was woven from four materials: techelet (blue), argaman (purple), tola’at shani (scarlet), and shesh moshzar (fine twined linen). These materials symbolize different aspects of divine service and spiritual elevation.

Symbolism of the Colors

  • Techelet (Blue): The Ramban (Shemot 25:3) explains that techelet resembles the sea, which reflects the sky, and ultimately the Kisei HaKavod (Throne of Glory). It represents heavenly aspirations and the pursuit of divine wisdom.
  • Argaman (Purple): The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:4) associates purple with royalty, symbolizing Hashem’s sovereignty and the Jewish people’s role as a "kingdom of priests."
  • Tola’at Shani (Scarlet): The Talmud (Menachot 43b) connects this color to atonement, as it resembles blood, reminding us of repentance and the sacrificial service.
  • Shesh Moshzar (Fine Twined Linen): The Ibn Ezra (Shemot 26:1) notes that linen represents purity, as it is a simple, unadorned material, reflecting sincerity in divine worship.

The Keruvim on the Parochet

The verse states that the Parochet was embroidered with Keruvim (cherubim). Rashi (Shemot 26:31) explains that these were woven figures of angels, symbolizing divine protection and the presence of the Shechinah (Divine Presence). The Talmud (Yoma 54a) teaches that the Keruvim faced one another when Israel was in favor with Hashem, representing love and unity between the Jewish people and their Creator.

The Artistic Work (Ma’aseh Choshev)

The term ma’aseh choshev ("artistic work") refers to a skilled, intricate weaving technique. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:15) explains that this required exceptional craftsmanship, as the Parochet was not merely decorative but a sacred object meant to inspire awe and reverence for the holiness of the Mishkan.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 51b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the construction and materials of the Parochet (veil) in the Temple, comparing it to other Temple furnishings.
📖 Menachot 98b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the materials and craftsmanship involved in making the Parochet, emphasizing the skill required for such sacred items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the colors used in the Parochet (veil)?
A: The colors of the Parochet (blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen) represent different spiritual concepts. Blue (techelet) symbolizes heaven and divine connection (Rashi on Exodus 26:31). Purple (argaman) represents royalty, and scarlet (tola'at shani) recalls the willingness to sacrifice for Hashem (Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 8). The fine linen (shesh) signifies purity.
Q: Why were Keruvim (cherubim) woven into the Parochet?
A: The Keruvim on the Parochet served as a reminder of the heavenly beings that guard the Divine Presence (Rashi on Exodus 26:31). They also symbolized the relationship between Hashem and the Jewish people, just as the Keruvim on the Ark represented love and devotion (Yoma 54a).
Q: What was the purpose of the Parochet in the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: The Parochet separated the Kodesh (Holy Place) from the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant was kept (Exodus 26:33). Only the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) could pass through it, and only on Yom Kippur (Rambam, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 4:2). It emphasized the sanctity of the innermost space.
Q: How does the Parochet relate to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash (Temple), the Parochet teaches us about the importance of creating boundaries between holy and mundane spaces (e.g., a synagogue's Aron Kodesh often has a curtain inspired by the Parochet). It also reminds us to approach holiness with reverence (Tur, Orach Chaim 147).
Q: What does 'ma'aseh choshev' (artistic work) mean in this verse?
A: 'Ma'aseh choshev' refers to skilled, intricate weaving that required great wisdom (Rashi on Exodus 26:1). The artisans, Betzalel and Oholiav, were Divinely inspired to create these designs (Exodus 35:30-35). This teaches that beauty and craftsmanship elevate mitzvot when done with proper intent (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:1).