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Exodus 37:12 - Golden rim's divine measure?

Exodus 37:12 - שמות 37:12

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ לוֹ מִסְגֶּרֶת טֹפַח סָבִיב וַיַּעַשׂ זֵר־זָהָב לְמִסְגַּרְתּוֹ סָבִיב׃

English Translation

Also he made for it a border of a handbreadth round about; and made a rim of gold for its border round about.

Transliteration

Vaya'as lo misgeret tofach saviv vaya'as zer-zahav lemisgarto saviv.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֨עַשׂ ל֥וֹ מִסְגֶּ֛רֶת טֹ֖פַח סָבִ֑יב וַיַּ֧עַשׂ זֵר־זָהָ֛ב לְמִסְגַּרְתּ֖וֹ סָבִֽיב׃
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ ל֥וֹ מִסְגֶּ֛רֶת טֹ֖פַח סָבִ֑יב וַיַּ֧עַשׂ זֵר־זָהָ֛ב לְמִסְגַּרְתּ֖וֹ סָבִֽיב׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Exodus 37:12) describes the construction of the Shulchan (Table of Showbread) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The verse details the craftsmanship of its border (misgeret) and golden rim (zeir zahav). According to Rashi, the misgeret was a raised frame around the table's edge, measuring a téfach (handbreadth) in width, while the zeir zahav served as an ornamental crown encircling the frame.

Interpretation of the Border and Rim

  • Symbolism of the Border (Misgeret): The Talmud (Menachot 96b) explains that the border prevented the showbread from slipping off the table. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:14) emphasizes its functional role in maintaining the sanctity of the bread by ensuring it remained properly placed.
  • Significance of the Golden Rim (Zeir Zahav): The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 34:2) compares the golden rim to a crown, symbolizing the table's honor as a vessel of divine service. The Zohar (Terumah 176a) suggests it represents the spiritual elevation of physical sustenance when dedicated to holiness.

Measurements and Craftsmanship

The téfach measurement (approx. 8 cm) reflects precision in fulfilling divine commandments. The Kli Yakar notes that the border's width was neither too narrow (risking instability) nor too wide (detracting from the table's primary function), teaching the balance between practicality and sanctity in avodat Hashem (service of G-d).

Spiritual Lessons

  • Protection of Holiness: Just as the border safeguarded the showbread, we must establish boundaries to protect mitzvot and kedushah in daily life (based on teachings of the Chafetz Chaim).
  • Beautification of Mitzvot: The golden rim exemplifies hiddur mitzvah (enhancing commandments with beauty), as codified in Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 656:1).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'border of a handbreadth' in Exodus 37:12 referring to?
A: This verse describes part of the construction of the Shulchan (Showbread Table) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The 'border of a handbreadth' (Tefach) was a raised rim around the edge of the table to prevent the showbread from falling off (Rashi on Exodus 37:12).
Q: Why was there a golden rim on the Shulchan's border?
A: The golden rim served both a functional and symbolic purpose. Functionally, it strengthened the border. Symbolically, the gold represented the importance and sanctity of the Shulchan, which held the 12 loaves of showbread that were replaced weekly (Menachot 96b).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed construction of the Shulchan?
A: The Torah's detailed description teaches us the importance of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments). Just as great care was taken with the Shulchan's construction, we should perform mitzvot with extra care and beauty (based on Rambam's principle in Hilchot Issurei Mizbeach 7:11).