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Exodus 39:36 - Table's sacred vessels' purpose?

Exodus 39:36 - שמות 39:36

Hebrew Text

אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן אֶת־כָּל־כֵּלָיו וְאֵת לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים׃

English Translation

the table, and all its vessels, and the showbread,

Transliteration

Et-hashulchan et-kol-kelav ve'et lechem hapanim.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ אֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלָ֔יו וְאֵ֖ת לֶ֥חֶם הַפָּנִֽים׃
אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן֙ אֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלָ֔יו וְאֵ֖ת לֶ֥חֶם הַפָּנִֽים׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Shulchan (Table) and Its Vessels

The verse mentions the Shulchan (table) and its vessels, which were part of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi (Shemot 25:23), the Shulchan was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, measuring two cubits in length, one cubit in width, and one and a half cubits in height. Its primary function was to hold the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread), which was arranged in two stacks of six loaves each (Menachot 96a).

Lechem HaPanim (Showbread)

The Lechem HaPanim was a special offering placed on the Shulchan every Shabbat. The Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 5:9) explains that the loaves were made from fine flour and baked before being placed on the table. The Gemara (Menachot 94b) teaches that the bread remained fresh and warm throughout the week as a miracle, symbolizing Hashem’s constant presence and blessing.

Symbolism of the Shulchan and Lechem HaPanim

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:8) connects the Shulchan to material sustenance, representing the idea that all physical blessings come from Hashem. The table in the Mishkan, situated in the Kodesh (Holy Place), teaches that even material wealth must be sanctified and used for holy purposes. The Lechem HaPanim, meaning "Bread of the Presence," signifies that sustenance is not merely physical but also a spiritual gift from Hashem.

Practical Halachic Insights

  • The Shulchan was placed on the northern side of the Mishkan (Yoma 33b), opposite the Menorah, balancing material and spiritual aspects of service.
  • The Kohanim would replace the Lechem HaPanim every Shabbat (Vayikra 24:8), and the old loaves were distributed among them (Menachot 99a).
  • The vessels of the Shulchan included dishes, spoons, and bowls (Shemot 25:29), used for arranging the bread and frankincense, as detailed in the Mishnah (Menachot 11:5).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 96b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the vessels used in the Temple, specifically the table and the showbread.
📖 Yoma 33b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the order of the Temple service and the arrangement of the showbread on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'showbread' mentioned in Exodus 39:36?
A: The 'showbread' (לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים) refers to the twelve loaves of bread that were placed on the golden table in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). According to the Talmud (Menachot 96a), these loaves were replaced every Shabbat and were arranged in two stacks of six. The Kohanim (priests) would then eat the old loaves. This bread symbolized G-d's constant presence and sustenance for the Jewish people.
Q: Why was the table with the showbread important in the Mishkan?
A: The table with the showbread was one of the key vessels in the Mishkan, as it represented material blessing and G-d's providence. Rashi (Exodus 25:23) explains that the table symbolized prosperity, as bread is a basic sustenance. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 3:13) teaches that the showbread was a reminder that all sustenance comes from G-d, and its presence in the Mishkan showed that even physical needs are sanctified when used for a holy purpose.
Q: What can we learn today from the concept of the showbread?
A: The showbread teaches us that even mundane things like bread can be elevated to holiness when used with the right intention. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:7) connects the showbread to the idea that Torah study is like spiritual sustenance. Today, we can apply this by recognizing that our physical needs—like food—can become holy when we use them to serve G-d, such as by making blessings before eating or sharing with others in need.
Q: How often was the showbread replaced, and why?
A: The showbread was replaced every Shabbat, as stated in the Torah (Leviticus 24:8). The Talmud (Menachot 99b) explains that this weekly renewal symbolized the continuous flow of blessing from G-d. Just as the bread remained fresh for the entire week (a miracle, according to Chazal), so too does G-d provide for us consistently. The timing on Shabbat also connects physical sustenance with the holiness of the day of rest.