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Exodus 37:22 - Golden Menorah's unified divine light

Exodus 37:22 - שמות 37:22

Hebrew Text

כַּפְתֹּרֵיהֶם וּקְנֹתָם מִמֶּנָּה הָיוּ כֻּלָּהּ מִקְשָׁה אַחַת זָהָב טָהוֹר׃

English Translation

Their bulbs and their branches were of the same: all of it was one beaten work of pure gold.

Transliteration

Kaftoreihem ukanotam mimenah hayu kula miksha achat zahav tahor.

Hebrew Leining Text

כַּפְתֹּרֵיהֶ֥ם וּקְנֹתָ֖ם מִמֶּ֣נָּה הָי֑וּ כֻּלָּ֛הּ מִקְשָׁ֥ה אַחַ֖ת זָהָ֥ב טָהֽוֹר׃
כַּפְתֹּרֵיהֶ֥ם וּקְנֹתָ֖ם מִמֶּ֣נָּה הָי֑וּ כֻּלָּ֛הּ מִקְשָׁ֥ה אַחַ֖ת זָהָ֥ב טָהֽוֹר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Exodus 25:36) describes the construction of the Menorah (the golden candelabrum) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Torah emphasizes that the bulbs (kaftoreihem) and branches (kanotehem) were all made from a single piece of pure gold, hammered into shape rather than assembled from separate parts.

Interpretation of "Kaftoreihem" and "Kanotehem"

  • Rashi (Exodus 25:31): Explains that kaftoreihem refers to the decorative knobs or bulbs along the branches of the Menorah, resembling the shape of pomegranates. Kanotehem refers to the branches themselves, which extended from the central stem.
  • Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:10): Describes the Menorah's branches as curved, with the kaftorim serving as ornamental protrusions along them.

Significance of "Miksha Achat" (One Beaten Work)

The Torah stresses that the Menorah was made from a single block of gold (miksha achat), not assembled from separate pieces. This detail carries deep symbolism:

  • Midrash Tanchuma (Behaalotecha 3): Suggests that the Menorah's unified construction represents the unity of the Jewish people and the Torah, which emanates from a single Divine source.
  • Malbim (Exodus 25:36): Explains that the Menorah's one-piece design reflects its spiritual purpose—to illuminate the world with Divine wisdom, which must remain whole and unbroken.

Spiritual Lessons

The requirement for the Menorah to be made of pure gold and formed from a single piece teaches:

  • The importance of spiritual purity (tahor) in serving Hashem.
  • The ideal of unity in Jewish worship and communal life, as symbolized by the Menorah's indivisible structure.
  • The concept that holiness (kedusha) requires wholeness and integrity, without fragmentation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 37:22 mean when it says 'all of it was one beaten work of pure gold'?
A: This verse describes the construction of the menorah (candelabrum) for the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that the menorah was hammered out of a single block of pure gold, meaning it was not assembled from separate pieces but crafted as one unified piece through skilled metalwork. This highlights the importance of unity and craftsmanship in holy vessels.
Q: Why was the menorah made from a single piece of gold according to Jewish tradition?
A: The Rambam (Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:2) teaches that making the menorah from one piece of gold symbolizes the indivisible nature of the Torah's light and wisdom. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 15:7) also connects this to the unity of the Jewish people, just as the menorah was one piece despite having multiple branches.
Q: What can we learn from the description of the menorah's construction in Exodus 37:22?
A: The Talmud (Menachot 28b) derives from this verse that the menorah must be made exactly as described - from pure gold and as a single piece. This teaches us the importance of precision in fulfilling mitzvot (commandments) and that holy objects require special care in their creation. The 'beaten work' also symbolizes how spiritual growth often requires effort and refinement.
Q: How does the concept of 'pure gold' in this verse apply to our lives today?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that 'pure gold' represents sincerity in serving Hashem - without any 'impurities' of ulterior motives. Just as the menorah had to be made of the finest materials for the Mishkan, we should strive to bring our purest intentions to mitzvot and Torah study in our daily lives.
Q: What is the significance of the menorah's bulbs and branches being one piece?
A: The Sforno notes that this unity represents how all aspects of Torah wisdom are interconnected. Just as the bulbs (which held the oil) and branches were inseparable parts of one menorah, so too are all parts of Torah study and mitzvah observance connected in serving Hashem. This teaches us to view our spiritual growth holistically.