Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Oholiav (Oholi᾽av) in the Torah?
A: Oholiav was a skilled artisan from the tribe of Dan who worked alongside Betzalel in constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle). He was an expert in engraving, weaving, and embroidery, particularly with the sacred colors of blue (techelet), purple (argaman), scarlet (tola'at shani), and fine linen (shesh).
Q: Why is Oholiav's role in building the Mishkan important?
A: Oholiav's role highlights that every Jew, regardless of tribe, has a unique contribution to holiness. The tribe of Dan was not known for scholarship like Levi or Yehudah, yet Oholiav's craftsmanship was essential for the Mishkan. This teaches that all skills can be elevated for divine service (Rashi on Exodus 35:34).
Q: What do the colors blue, purple, and scarlet represent in the Mishkan?
A: According to Jewish tradition, these colors symbolize spiritual concepts: blue (techelet) resembles the sea and sky, reminding us of heaven and divine commandments (Talmud Menachot 43b); purple (argaman) represents royalty; and scarlet (tola'at shani) signifies atonement (Midrash Tanchuma, Terumah 12).
Q: How does Oholiav's story apply to us today?
A: Oholiav teaches that every person's talents—whether artistic, technical, or practical—can be used to serve Hashem. Just as his craftsmanship sanctified the Mishkan, we too can elevate mundane skills for holy purposes (Rambam, Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:1).
Q: Why does the Torah mention Oholiav's father (Achisamach) and tribe (Dan)?
A: The Torah emphasizes lineage to show that greatness isn't limited to certain families or tribes. Oholiav, from the 'less prestigious' tribe of Dan, achieved spiritual heights through his work on the Mishkan, proving that devotion matters more than background (Sforno on Exodus 38:23).
Oholiav's Role in the Mishkan
The verse describes Oholiav ben Achisamach of the tribe of Dan as a skilled artisan who assisted Betzalel in constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi (Exodus 35:34) explains that Oholiav was Divinely endowed with wisdom in craftsmanship, particularly in weaving and embroidery with the sacred colors—techelet (blue), argaman (purple), tola'at shani (scarlet), and shesh (fine linen).
The Significance of the Tribe of Dan
Oholiav's lineage from the tribe of Dan is noteworthy. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 40:4) highlights that Dan was considered one of the "lesser" tribes, yet Hashem elevated Oholiav to work alongside Betzalel (from the prestigious tribe of Yehudah) to teach that wisdom and Divine inspiration are not limited by tribal status. This reflects the principle that holiness and talent are granted based on merit, not lineage alone.
The Crafts Mentioned
The Sacred Colors
The four materials—techelet, argaman, tola'at shani, and shesh—carry deep symbolism. The Zohar (Terumah 152a) associates them with different spiritual realms: techelet represents heaven, argaman symbolizes royalty, tola'at shani alludes to atonement, and shesh signifies purity. Their use in the Mishkan elevated the physical structure into a conduit for Divine presence.