Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the 'poles' mentioned in Exodus 37:15 used for?
A: The poles (badim) were made to carry the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). They were inserted into rings on the sides of the Table to allow the Kohanim (priests) to transport it without touching it directly, as Rashi explains on Exodus 25:28.
Q: Why were the poles made from shittim (acacia) wood and covered in gold?
A: Shittim wood was used because it was durable and readily available in the wilderness, as the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) notes. The gold covering symbolized the Table's sanctity and importance in the Mishkan, representing both physical and spiritual beauty, as the Rambam discusses in Hilchot Beit HaBechirah.
Q: What is the significance of the Table (Shulchan) in the Mishkan?
A: The Shulchan held the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), which was arranged weekly and symbolized G-d's constant providence and sustenance, as the Talmud (Menachot 96b) teaches. The Table itself represented material blessing and the partnership between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Q: Why couldn't the Kohanim carry the Table directly without poles?
A: The poles ensured that the Kohanim treated the holy vessels with proper reverence and avoided direct contact, as the Torah emphasizes sanctity in handling sacred objects (see Rashi on Exodus 25:14). This also taught the importance of respecting items dedicated to divine service.
Q: Does this verse have any relevance today without the Mishkan?
A: Yes! The Shulchan teaches us to elevate physical sustenance (like food) for a higher purpose, as the Ramban (Exodus 25:24) explains. Just as the Table was holy, we sanctify our meals through blessings, gratitude, and sharing with others, as taught in Jewish tradition.
The Poles of the Shulchan (Table)
The verse describes the construction of the poles used to carry the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). These poles were made from atzei shittim (acacia wood) and overlaid with gold. Rashi (Exodus 25:28) explains that the poles were inserted into rings on the sides of the table, allowing the Levites to carry it without directly touching the sacred vessel.
Symbolism of the Materials
The choice of materials—acacia wood overlaid with gold—carries deeper meaning:
The Function of the Poles
The Talmud (Menachot 96a) discusses the permanence of the poles, noting that unlike the Aron (Ark), whose poles were never removed, the poles of the Shulchan were only inserted when it needed to be transported. This distinction highlights the different levels of sanctity between the Aron and the Shulchan.
Lessons in Avodas Hashem (Divine Service)
The Kli Yakar (Exodus 25:28) derives a moral lesson: just as the poles enabled the Shulchan to be carried without direct handling, we must approach sacred tasks with reverence, using "intermediaries" (such as proper intentions and humility) to elevate our service to Hashem.