Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the laver (kiyor) in the Tabernacle?
A: The laver (kiyor) was a basin used by the Kohanim (priests) to wash their hands and feet before performing service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or approaching the altar, as commanded in Shemot (Exodus) 30:19-21. This ritual washing symbolized purity and preparation for divine service.
Q: Why was the laver placed between the Tent of Meeting and the altar?
A: Rashi explains that the placement between the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) and the Mizbeach (altar) was strategic—it served as a reminder that the Kohanim must purify themselves before engaging in either sacrificial service (at the altar) or entering the sacred space (the Tent). This teaches the importance of spiritual preparation before approaching holiness.
Q: What can we learn from the commandment to put water in the laver?
A: The water in the laver teaches that purity is a prerequisite for serving Hashem, both physically and spiritually. The Rambam (Hilchos Bi'as HaMikdash 5:1) derives from this that sanctity requires conscious preparation. Today, we apply this by washing our hands (netilat yadayim) before prayer or eating bread, continuing the theme of sanctifying mundane acts.
Q: Was the laver used for anything besides washing hands and feet?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 19b) states that the laver was exclusively for the Kohanim’s ablutions. However, the Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:4) notes that its water also served as a mirror for self-reflection—the Kohanim would see their own faces in it, reminding them to serve with humility and sincerity.
Q: How does the concept of the laver apply to us today without a Temple?
A: While we lack the physical laver, Chazal (our Sages) instituted netilat yadayim (ritual handwashing) as a parallel practice (Berachos 53b). Just as the Kohanim purified themselves, we wash before prayer or Torah study to emulate their mindfulness. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 106) connects this to elevating everyday actions toward holiness.
Placement of the Kiyor (Laver)
The verse commands placing the kiyor (laver) between the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) and the mizbeach (altar). Rashi (Shemot 30:18) explains that the kiyor was positioned in a way that the Kohanim would encounter it immediately after walking through the courtyard entrance, before approaching the altar. This placement ensured they would sanctify their hands and feet before performing any service in the Mishkan.
Symbolism of the Water
The water in the kiyor served not only a practical purpose but also carried deep spiritual significance. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 37:2) teaches that water represents Torah, as it says in Yeshayahu (55:1), "Ho, everyone who thirsts, come for water." Just as water is essential for physical life, Torah is essential for spiritual life. The Kohanim, who served as teachers of Torah to Bnei Yisrael, had to purify themselves with water to symbolize their commitment to Torah values before serving Hashem.
Construction and Purpose
Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 5:7) elaborates on the halachic requirements of the kiyor, emphasizing that it was made from copper mirrors donated by the women of Israel (see Shemot 38:8). The Talmud (Sotah 11b) explains that these mirrors were originally used by the women in Egypt to maintain their marital bonds despite slavery, demonstrating their righteousness. Thus, the kiyor became a vessel of sanctity, repurposed for the service of Hashem.