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Exodus 39:34 - Divine Tabernacle's sacred protection

Exodus 39:34 - שמות 39:34

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־מִכְסֵה עוֹרֹת הָאֵילִם הַמְאָדָּמִים וְאֶת־מִכְסֵה עֹרֹת הַתְּחָשִׁים וְאֵת פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ׃

English Translation

and the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and the covering of taĥash skins, and the veil of the screen,

Transliteration

Ve'et-mikhseh orot ha'eilim hame'adamim ve'et-mikhseh orot hat'chashim ve'et parochet hamasach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֞ה עוֹרֹ֤ת הָֽאֵילִם֙ הַמְאׇדָּמִ֔ים וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֖ה עֹרֹ֣ת הַתְּחָשִׁ֑ים וְאֵ֖ת פָּרֹ֥כֶת הַמָּסָֽךְ׃
וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֞ה עוֹרֹ֤ת הָֽאֵילִם֙ הַמְאׇדָּמִ֔ים וְאֶת־מִכְסֵ֖ה עֹרֹ֣ת הַתְּחָשִׁ֑ים וְאֵ֖ת פָּרֹ֥כֶת הַמָּסָֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Coverings of the Mishkan

The verse describes three coverings of the Mishkan (Tabernacle):

  • Covering of rams' skins dyed red (עוֹרֹת הָאֵילִם הַמְאָדָּמִים): Rashi (Exodus 26:14) explains that these were dyed red to beautify the Mishkan. The Ramban adds that the red color symbolizes zeal and devotion in serving Hashem, as red is associated with fire and passion.
  • Covering of tachash skins (עֹרֹת הַתְּחָשִׁים): The identity of the tachash is debated. Rashi (Exodus 25:5) cites the Talmud (Shabbat 28a) that it was a colorful, one-horned animal created specifically for the Mishkan and later vanished. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 12:11) suggests its skin was multicolored, symbolizing the diversity of Klal Yisrael united in divine service.
  • Veil of the screen (פָּרֹכֶת הַמָּסָךְ): The parochet separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Mishkan. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 4:1) emphasizes its role in creating a boundary for kedushah (holiness), teaching that spiritual elevation requires separation and reverence.

Symbolism of the Coverings

The Sforno (Exodus 26:14) notes that the layers of coverings—rams' skins (protection), tachash skins (uniqueness), and the parochet (separation)—reflect the layers of spiritual refinement needed to approach Hashem. The outer coverings represent physical protection, while the inner parochet signifies the sanctity of the divine presence.

Practical Lessons

The Kli Yakar (Exodus 26:14) derives that just as the Mishkan had multiple layers of holiness, so too must a person cultivate layers of spiritual growth—external actions (mitzvot) and internal devotion (kavanah). The dyed red rams' skins remind us that our service should be vibrant and heartfelt, not merely perfunctory.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'rams’ skins dyed red' mentioned in Exodus 39:34?
A: The 'rams’ skins dyed red' were one of the coverings used for the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, these skins came from rams and were dyed red to create a protective outer layer over the Mishkan's structure. This was part of the detailed instructions given for building a sacred space for the Divine Presence.
Q: What is the significance of the 'taĥash skins' in the Tabernacle?
A: The 'taĥash skins' were a rare and colorful material used as an outer covering for the Mishkan. The Talmud (Shabbat 28a) explains that the taĥash was a unique, multi-colored animal that existed only during the time of the Mishkan's construction. Its skin symbolized beauty and distinction, highlighting the holiness of the Tabernacle.
Q: Why were multiple coverings used for the Mishkan?
A: The Mishkan had several layers of coverings (including rams’ skins, taĥash skins, and the woven curtain) to serve both practical and spiritual purposes. Rambam explains that these layers provided protection and insulation, while also representing different levels of holiness—each covering brought the Mishkan closer to perfection as a dwelling place for the Divine Presence.
Q: What can we learn from the detailed materials used in the Mishkan?
A: The detailed materials teach us the importance of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying a commandment). Just as the finest materials were used for the Mishkan, we should strive to perform mitzvot with care and beauty. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) emphasizes that no effort was spared in creating a dignified and sacred space for serving Hashem.