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Exodus 36:37 - Divine entrance's colorful tapestry

Exodus 36:37 - שמות 36:37

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ מָסָךְ לְפֶתַח הָאֹהֶל תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי וְשֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר מַעֲשֵׂה רֹקֵם׃

English Translation

And he made a screen for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of embroidered work;

Transliteration

Va'ya'as masach le'fetach ha'ohel techelet ve'argaman ve'tola'at shani ve'shesh mashzar ma'aseh rokem.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֤עַשׂ מָסָךְ֙ לְפֶ֣תַח הָאֹ֔הֶל תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה רֹקֵֽם׃
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ מָסָךְ֙ לְפֶ֣תַח הָאֹ֔הֶל תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֣שׁ מׇשְׁזָ֑ר מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה רֹקֵֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Screen for the Tabernacle Door

The verse describes the creation of the masach (screen) for the entrance of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), made from four materials: techelet (blue), argaman (purple), tola'at shani (scarlet), and shesh moshzar (fine twined linen), all woven together in an embroidered pattern (ma'aseh rokem). This screen served as the entrance to the Holy Place, separating the outer courtyard from the inner sanctum.

Symbolism of the Colors

  • Techelet (Blue): Rashi (Exodus 26:36) notes that the colors of the screen mirror those of the parochet (veil) separating the Holy of Holies, symbolizing the sanctity of the entrance. Techelet represents the heavens and divine wisdom, as derived from its resemblance to the sea and sky (Chullin 89a).
  • Argaman (Purple): The Midrash (Bemidbar Rabbah 12:4) associates purple with royalty, reflecting the majesty of Hashem’s dwelling place among Bnei Yisrael.
  • Tola'at Shani (Scarlet): The scarlet dye, derived from a worm, symbolizes humility and repentance (Isaiah 1:18, "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow").
  • Shesh Moshzar (Fine Twined Linen): The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 8:13) explains that linen represents purity, as it does not absorb impurities as easily as wool.

The Craftsmanship: Ma'aseh Rokem

The phrase ma'aseh rokem (embroidered work) indicates that the screen was woven with intricate artistry. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that the embroidery was not merely decorative but carried deep spiritual significance—each thread and pattern reflected the harmony of divine service. The Vilna Gaon notes that the interwoven colors symbolize the unity of different spiritual traits necessary for approaching holiness.

Purpose of the Screen

Unlike the parochet, which concealed the Holy of Holies, the screen at the entrance served as an invitation—yet with reverence. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 26:36) explains that the screen reminded those entering that they must prepare themselves spiritually before stepping into sacred space. The combination of colors taught that one must approach with wisdom (blue), humility (scarlet), dignity (purple), and purity (linen).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the colors used in the screen for the Tabernacle door?
A: The colors blue (techelet), purple (argaman), and scarlet (tola'at shani) mentioned in Exodus 36:37 have deep symbolic meanings in Jewish tradition. According to Rashi and the Midrash, blue represents the heavens and divine revelation, purple symbolizes royalty and dignity, and scarlet signifies blood and atonement. The fine twined linen (shesh moshzar) represents purity. Together, these materials reflect the holiness and majesty of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: Why was the entrance to the Tabernacle covered with an embroidered screen?
A: The embroidered screen at the entrance of the Tabernacle served both a practical and spiritual purpose. On a practical level, it separated the holy space from the outside. Spiritually, as the Rambam explains, it emphasized the idea of transition from the mundane to the sacred. The intricate embroidery (ma'aseh rokem) also symbolized the beauty and care taken in serving Hashem, teaching us to approach divine service with reverence and attention to detail.
Q: What can we learn today from the description of the Tabernacle's entrance screen?
A: The description of the Tabernacle's entrance screen teaches us the importance of creating boundaries between holiness and everyday life. Just as the screen marked a transition into a sacred space, we are reminded to set spiritual boundaries in our own lives—whether through physical spaces like a home's mezuzah or through time, such as Shabbat. The Talmud (Yoma 54a) also notes that beauty in mitzvot (like the embroidered screen) enhances our connection to Hashem.
Q: What does 'fine twined linen' (shesh moshzar) represent in this verse?
A: The 'fine twined linen' (shesh moshzar) symbolizes purity and refinement in Jewish thought. Rashi explains that this material was made from six-ply threads, representing strength and unity. The Talmud (Yoma 71b) connects linen to the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) garments, emphasizing that serving Hashem requires both external beauty and inner integrity. This teaches us that our actions should align with our spiritual intentions.