Exodus 36:14 - Divine dwelling's humble covering

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Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ יְרִיעֹת עִזִּים לְאֹהֶל עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּן עַשְׁתֵּי־עֶשְׂרֵה יְרִיעֹת עָשָׂה אֹתָם׃

English Translation

And he made curtains of goats’ hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as yeriot izim le'ohel al-hamishkan ashte-esreh yeriot asa otam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֙עַשׂ֙ יְרִיעֹ֣ת עִזִּ֔ים לְאֹ֖הֶל עַל־הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן עַשְׁתֵּֽי־עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה יְרִיעֹ֖ת עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתָֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

The Curtains of Goats' Hair in the Mishkan

The verse (Shemot 36:14) describes the construction of the yeri'ot izim (curtains of goats' hair) that served as an outer covering for the Mishkan. Rashi explains that these eleven curtains were placed over the Mishkan's primary structure, serving as a protective layer above the ten curtains of fine linen (Shemot 26:1). The number eleven is significant—while the inner Mishkan required only ten curtains (corresponding to the Ten Commandments), the additional eleventh curtain, as the Ramban notes, provided extra coverage to ensure no part of the Mishkan was exposed.

Symbolism of the Goats' Hair

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 5) connects the goats' hair to the episode of Yaakov and Eisav, where Rivka dressed Yaakov in goatskins (Bereishit 27:16). Just as the goatskins concealed Yaakov's true identity to receive Yitzchak's blessing, the goats' hair curtains concealed the holiness of the Mishkan from the outside world. The Malbim adds that goats' hair, being coarse and humble, represents the idea that external appearances may conceal inner sanctity—much like the modest exterior of the Mishkan housed the Divine Presence.

Structural and Practical Insights

Durability: The Ibn Ezra notes that goats' hair was chosen for its durability against weather, as the outer covering needed to withstand wind and rain.
Measurement: The Talmud (Shabbat 99a) discusses how the extra length of the goats' hair curtains (30 cubits, compared to the linen curtains' 28 cubits) ensured they could fully cover the Mishkan's back side.
Spiritual Lesson: The Kli Yakar teaches that the eleven curtains hint to the need for "extra" protection (yeter) in spiritual matters—just as the Mishkan required an additional layer, so too must one add safeguards to preserve holiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were there specifically 11 curtains made of goats' hair for the Mishkan?
A: According to Rashi (Exodus 26:7), the 11 curtains of goats' hair served as an outer covering over the Mishkan's finer inner curtains. The number 11 corresponds to the dimensions needed to fully cover the 10-cubit inner curtains while allowing for overlaps and fastenings. The goats' hair material was durable for protection against weather.

Q: What is the significance of using goats' hair for these curtains?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:5) teaches that goats' hair was used because it was readily available (from the same goats whose skins were used for the outer covering) and symbolized simplicity and humility. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) also notes that practical materials were chosen for their protective qualities over the sacred inner space.

Q: How do the 11 goats' hair curtains relate to the Mishkan's structure?
A: As explained in the Talmud (Shabbat 98b), the 11 goats' hair curtains formed the middle layer of the Mishkan's three-part covering system: (1) the innermost woven curtains with artistic designs, (2) these goats' hair curtains for insulation, and (3) the outermost ram/dugong skin covering. Their measurements (30 cubits long) provided full coverage with extra material for secure fastening.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the detailed description of these curtains?
A: The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 95) derives from this that every detail of sacred service matters - even functional elements like protective coverings require careful craftsmanship when used for holy purposes. The Malbim adds that the dual-layer system (beautiful inner curtains + practical outer ones) teaches balance between spiritual beauty and physical protection in our service.