Exodus 36:34 - Gold-covered Mishkan's holy structure

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Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁים צִפָּה זָהָב וְאֶת־טַבְּעֹתָם עָשָׂה זָהָב בָּתִּים לַבְּרִיחִם וַיְצַף אֶת־הַבְּרִיחִם זָהָב׃

English Translation

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Transliteration

Ve'et-hakrashim tzifa zahav ve'et-tabe'otam asah zahab batim labrichim vayetzaf et-habrichim zahav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְֽאֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁ֞ים צִפָּ֣ה זָהָ֗ב וְאֶת־טַבְּעֹתָם֙ עָשָׂ֣ה זָהָ֔ב בָּתִּ֖ים לַבְּרִיחִ֑ם וַיְצַ֥ף אֶת־הַבְּרִיחִ֖ם זָהָֽב׃

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically the gold overlay of the boards (kerashim), their rings (taba'ot), and the bars (b'richim). This process was part of the meticulous craftsmanship commanded by Hashem for the Mishkan's sanctity.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Exodus 36:34) explains that the boards were made of acacia wood (shittim) and then overlaid with gold. The rings (taba'ot) were attached to the boards to hold the bars, which stabilized the structure. Rashi emphasizes that the gold overlay was not merely decorative but symbolized the Mishkan's holiness, as gold represents purity and divine splendor.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Beit HaBechirah (Laws of the Temple), Rambam (Maimonides) notes that the meticulous craftsmanship of the Mishkan reflects the principle that sacred spaces require the finest materials and utmost care in construction. The gold overlay signifies the elevation of physical materials for a higher, spiritual purpose.

Midrashic Insights

Midrash Tanchuma (Terumah 9): The gold overlay on the boards alludes to the Jewish people's refinement through trials, just as gold is purified through fire. The Mishkan's construction mirrors the spiritual elevation of Klal Yisrael.
Zohar (Terumah 149a): The gold-covered boards symbolize the unity of the Jewish people, as the boards were joined together to form a single structure, just as Bnei Yisrael are united in serving Hashem.

Symbolism of the Bars (B'richim)

The b'richim (bars) were overlaid with gold to ensure durability and beauty. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that the bars represent the Torah scholars who uphold the community, just as the bars held the Mishkan together. Their gold covering signifies the honor due to Torah and its students.

Practical Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 151:1) derives from this verse that synagogues and study halls should be constructed with dignity and beauty, following the model of the Mishkan. The gold overlay teaches that we must invest in the aesthetic and structural integrity of places dedicated to avodat Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of overlaying the Mishkan's boards with gold?
A: The gold overlay on the boards of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) symbolizes holiness and purity. According to Rashi (Exodus 26:29), the gold covering elevated the simple acacia wood, teaching that even physical materials can become sacred when used for a divine purpose. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) also explains that gold represents splendor and honor, fitting for the dwelling place of the Divine Presence.

Q: Why were the rings and bars of the Mishkan also covered in gold?
A: The rings and bars, which held the structure together, were covered in gold to show that every part of the Mishkan—even the functional components—had spiritual significance. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 9) teaches that this teaches us that even the 'hidden' parts of our service to Hashem must be done with beauty and dedication.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the gold-covered boards in the Mishkan?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 72b) compares the Mishkan's gold-covered boards to Torah scholars, whose inner and outer qualities should align in purity. Just as the wood was concealed beneath gold, a person’s external actions should reflect their inner devotion. This teaches us to strive for integrity in both our private and public lives.

Q: How does the construction of the Mishkan apply to us today?
A: The Mishkan serves as a model for creating sacred spaces in our lives. The Kli Yakar (Exodus 26:15) explains that just as the Mishkan’s materials were sanctified through their use, our homes and synagogues can also become places of holiness when used for Torah, prayer, and kindness. The gold overlay reminds us to beautify our mitzvot with sincerity.