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Exodus 38:8 - Mirrors of devotion transform ritual.

Exodus 38:8 - שמות 38:8

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ אֵת הַכִּיּוֹר נְחֹשֶׁת וְאֵת כַּנּוֹ נְחֹשֶׁת בְּמַרְאֹת הַצֹּבְאֹת אֲשֶׁר צָבְאוּ פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

And he made the laver of brass, and its pedestal of brass, of the mirrors of the women assembling, who assembled at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as et hakiyor nechoshet ve'et kano nechoshet bemar'ot hatzov'ot asher tzavu petach ohel mo'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֗עַשׂ אֵ֚ת הַכִּיּ֣וֹר נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וְאֵ֖ת כַּנּ֣וֹ נְחֹ֑שֶׁת בְּמַרְאֹת֙ הַצֹּ֣בְאֹ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֣ר צָֽבְא֔וּ פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וַיַּ֗עַשׂ אֵ֚ת הַכִּיּ֣וֹר נְחֹ֔שֶׁת וְאֵ֖ת כַּנּ֣וֹ נְחֹ֑שֶׁת בְּמַרְאֹת֙ הַצֹּ֣בְאֹ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֣ר צָֽבְא֔וּ פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Brass Laver and the Mirrors of the Women

The verse describes the construction of the kiyor (laver) and its base from the copper mirrors of the women who gathered at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. This detail is significant, as it highlights the sanctification of an object that could have been associated with vanity.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 38:8) explains that these mirrors were used by the Israelite women in Egypt to beautify themselves and thereby encourage their exhausted husbands to continue having children, despite Pharaoh’s decrees. When Moshe initially hesitated to accept them for the Mishkan, considering them instruments of vanity, Hashem instructed him to accept them because they were dearer to Him than anything else, due to the righteousness of the women.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 9) elaborates that the women would look into these mirrors while preparing to meet their husbands, ensuring they appeared attractive despite the harsh labor. Their self-sacrifice for the sake of building the Jewish people demonstrated their deep faith and commitment to the future of Klal Yisrael.

Symbolism of the Laver

The kiyor was used by the Kohanim to sanctify their hands and feet before service. The fact that it was made from these mirrors teaches:

  • Elevation of Physicality: Even objects associated with physical beauty can be elevated to holiness when used with pure intent.
  • Women’s Role in Redemption: The mirrors symbolize the critical role of Jewish women in sustaining the nation during oppression and in contributing to the Mishkan.
  • Preparation for Divine Service: Just as the women prepared themselves for a sacred purpose, the Kohanim must purify themselves before serving Hashem.

Halachic Perspective (Rambam)

The Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 1:16) discusses the requirement for Kohanim to wash their hands and feet from the kiyor before service. The use of these mirrors underscores that even the most mundane aspects of life—when directed toward a higher purpose—can become vessels for kedushah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 11b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the righteousness of the Israelite women in Egypt, who used mirrors to beautify themselves for their husbands despite the harsh conditions, and how these mirrors were later used to make the laver in the Tabernacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the brass laver (kiyor) in the Tabernacle?
A: The brass laver (kiyor) was used by the Kohanim (priests) to wash their hands and feet before performing service in the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:18-21). Rashi explains that this washing was essential for ritual purity, teaching us the importance of approaching sacred duties with cleanliness and reverence.
Q: Why were the mirrors of the women used to make the laver?
A: The Midrash (Tanhuma, Pekudei 9) teaches that these mirrors belonged to righteous Jewish women in Egypt who used them to beautify themselves and encourage their husbands during slavery, ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people. Moshe initially hesitated to use them, but Hashem commanded their inclusion to honor these women's devotion.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the women who donated their mirrors?
A: The women's selfless donation teaches the value of using even physical items (like mirrors) for holy purposes. The Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Mizbe'ach 7:11) highlights that their act showed complete dedication to the Mishkan, reminding us to elevate our possessions for spiritual growth.
Q: Why was the laver placed at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: The Kohanim had to wash at the entrance to symbolize purification before divine service (Rashi on Exodus 30:20). The Talmud (Zevachim 19b) states that neglecting this washing invalidated the service, teaching that proper preparation is essential when approaching holiness.
Q: How does the laver's construction apply to us today?
A: Just as the Kohanim purified themselves, we learn from the Chofetz Chaim that daily hand-washing (netilas yadayim) and spiritual preparation are vital before prayer or Torah study. The laver reminds us to approach mitzvos with mindfulness and purity of heart.