Exodus 36:18 - Unity through brass clasps

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Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַשׂ קַרְסֵי נְחֹשֶׁת חֲמִשִּׁים לְחַבֵּר אֶת־הָאֹהֶל לִהְיֹת אֶחָד׃

English Translation

And he made fifty clasps of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.

Transliteration

Va'ya'as karsei nechoshet chamishim le'chaber et-ha'ohel lih'yot echad.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֛עַשׂ קַרְסֵ֥י נְחֹ֖שֶׁת חֲמִשִּׁ֑ים לְחַבֵּ֥ר אֶת־הָאֹ֖הֶל לִהְיֹ֥ת אֶחָֽד׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse (Shemot 36:18) describes the making of fifty copper clasps (karsei nechoshet) to join the curtains of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) together, ensuring it would be unified as one structure. This detail is part of the broader account of the construction of the Mishkan, emphasizing precision in fulfilling the divine command.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Shemot 36:18) explains that these clasps were used to connect the two large sets of curtains (each consisting of five curtains joined together) that formed the roof of the Mishkan. The clasps ensured that the entire structure remained unified, symbolizing the harmony and cohesion required in sacred service.

Symbolism of the Clasps

Unity: The clasps represent the unity of the Jewish people, as the Mishkan served as a dwelling place for the Divine Presence among them. Just as the curtains were joined to form one structure, Klal Yisrael must strive for unity in serving Hashem.
Material Choice: The use of copper (nechoshet) may allude to its role in atonement, as seen with the copper altar (Ramban, Shemot 38:30). Alternatively, the Kli Yakar suggests that copper, a less precious metal than gold or silver, signifies humility—a necessary trait for maintaining unity.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 5) connects the fifty clasps to the fifty gates of understanding (binah), suggesting that the Mishkan’s construction reflects deeper spiritual wisdom. The unification of the Mishkan parallels the unification of divine wisdom in the world.

Halachic Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Beis HaBechirah 1:15) derives from this verse the principle that sacred structures must be built with precision and care, ensuring all components fit together properly. This underscores the importance of attention to detail in fulfilling mitzvos.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the brass clasps in Exodus 36:18 represent?
A: The brass clasps (קַרְסֵי נְחֹשֶׁת) symbolize unity and strength in connecting the Mishkan's curtains. Rashi explains that brass (נְחֹשֶׁת) represents durability, teaching us that the Mishkan's structure needed to be firmly joined to function as one sacred space.

Q: Why were there exactly 50 brass clasps in the Mishkan?
A: The number 50 corresponds to the 50 gates of understanding (Sha'arei Binah) mentioned in Kabbalah (Tikkunei Zohar). The Midrash Tanchuma also connects this to the unity of the Jewish people—just as the clasps joined the Mishkan, the Torah (given after 50 days of Exodus) unites us.

Q: How does the concept of 'being one' in this verse apply today?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) derives from this verse that communal spaces—like synagogues—must be built to foster unity. Just as the Mishkan's clasps physically connected its parts, we must actively strengthen Jewish unity through shared Torah and mitzvot.

Q: Why was brass chosen instead of gold or silver for these clasps?
A: The Kli Yakar notes that brass (a copper-tin alloy) balances beauty with practicality—unlike gold which is softer. This reflects the Mishkan's purpose: a blend of spiritual grandeur (gold) and earthly functionality (brass), teaching us to balance ideals with real-world application.