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Exodus 40:8 - Divine order surrounds sacred space

Exodus 40:8 - שמות 40:8

Hebrew Text

וְשַׂמְתָּ אֶת־הֶחָצֵר סָבִיב וְנָתַתָּ אֶת־מָסַךְ שַׁעַר הֶחָצֵר׃

English Translation

And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the screen at the court gate,

Transliteration

Vesamta et-hachetzer saviv venatata et-masach sha'ar hachatzer.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשַׂמְתָּ֥ אֶת־הֶחָצֵ֖ר סָבִ֑יב וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ אֶת־מָסַ֖ךְ שַׁ֥עַר הֶחָצֵֽר׃
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥ אֶת־הֶחָצֵ֖ר סָבִ֑יב וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔ אֶת־מָסַ֖ךְ שַׁ֥עַר הֶחָצֵֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Mishkan

The verse (Exodus 27:16) describes the construction of the outer courtyard (heichal) of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that this refers to the hanging screen (masach) at the entrance of the courtyard, which served as a barrier to separate the sacred space from the outside. The heichal was an essential boundary, marking the transition from the mundane to the holy.

Symbolism of the Screen

The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that the screen at the gate represents the concept of hafrashah (separation) – a fundamental principle in kedushah (holiness). Just as the Mishkan required clear boundaries, so too must our lives have distinctions between the sacred and the profane. The Talmud (Yoma 38a) further connects this idea to the need for proper derech eretz (respectful conduct) when approaching holy matters.

Details of the Construction

  • Material: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:2) states the screen was made of fine linen, dyed blue, purple, and crimson, symbolizing royalty and divine service.
  • Dimensions: According to the Mishnah (Middot 2:3), the courtyard screen was 20 cubits wide and 5 cubits high, matching the proportions of the entrance to the Holy Temple's courtyard.
  • Placement: The Kli Yakar emphasizes that the screen was placed at the eastern side, facing the sunrise, representing the light of Torah entering the sacred space.

Spiritual Lessons

The Sforno teaches that the commandment to "set up the court round about" reminds us that holiness requires preparation and boundaries in all aspects of life. Just as the Mishkan's courtyard had defined limits, we must establish spiritual boundaries (gedarim) to protect our commitment to Torah and mitzvot. The Baal HaTurim adds that the word masach (screen) shares a root with socheh (to see through), hinting that true holiness allows one to perceive divine wisdom clearly.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 40:8 mean when it talks about setting up the court and hanging a screen?
A: This verse describes part of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The 'court' refers to the outer courtyard surrounding the Mishkan, and the 'screen' was a curtain or covering for the entrance gate. Rashi explains that this was to create separation and holiness, showing that one doesn't enter G-d's sanctuary casually.
Q: Why was a screen needed at the entrance of the Tabernacle's courtyard?
A: The screen served both a practical and spiritual purpose. Practically, it marked the proper entrance (as the Midrash notes there were other curtains but only one true entrance). Spiritually, it taught that approaching holiness requires preparation and awareness, as the Rambam explains about proper conduct in holy spaces.
Q: What can we learn today from the commandment to set up the Tabernacle's courtyard?
A: The Sages teach that just as the Mishkan had defined boundaries, we must create boundaries in our own lives between holy and mundane. The screen reminds us to approach spiritual matters with proper respect. Today, this applies to how we conduct ourselves in synagogues and when engaging in mitzvot.
Q: How does this verse connect to the overall construction of the Mishkan?
A: As the Talmud (Zevachim 54b) discusses, every detail of the Mishkan's construction had significance. This verse comes after describing the inner vessels (like the Ark) and before discussing priestly garments, showing progression from most holy to less holy areas. The courtyard screen was the transition point from outside to sacred space.