Exodus 36:38 - Golden hooks, brass foundations—why?

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Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־עַמּוּדָיו חֲמִשָּׁה וְאֶת־וָוֵיהֶם וְצִפָּה רָאשֵׁיהֶם וַחֲשֻׁקֵיהֶם זָהָב וְאַדְנֵיהֶם חֲמִשָּׁה נְחֹשֶׁת׃

English Translation

and the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their capitals and their joints with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.

Transliteration

Ve-et-amudav khamisha ve-et-vavehem ve-tzipah rashehem va-khashukehem zahav ve-adnehem khamisha nekheshet.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־עַמּוּדָ֤יו חֲמִשָּׁה֙ וְאֶת־וָ֣וֵיהֶ֔ם וְצִפָּ֧ה רָאשֵׁיהֶ֛ם וַחֲשֻׁקֵיהֶ֖ם זָהָ֑ב וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֥ם חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃ {פ}

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Mishkan

This verse (Exodus 36:38) describes the construction details of the entrance screen (masach) to the Mishkan's courtyard. The five pillars (ammudim) supported the embroidered screen at the entrance, with their capitals (rasheihem) and connecting rods (chashukeihem) overlaid in gold, while their sockets (adneihem) were made of copper.

Symbolism of Materials

Gold Overlay: Rashi (Exodus 36:38) notes that the gold plating on the upper parts of the pillars signifies honor and prominence, as gold represents spiritual elevation. The entrance, being a transition point between the mundane and sacred, required this distinction.
Copper Sockets: The copper bases (adanim) symbolize durability and grounding, as copper was associated with strength and judgment (see Malbim). This reflects the balance between spiritual aspiration (gold) and earthly stability (copper).

Structural Significance

The Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11) connects the five pillars to the five books of the Torah, emphasizing that entry into holiness is guided by Torah wisdom. The hooks (vavim) represent the mitzvot that "connect" a person to divine service, as explained by the Kli Yakar.

Halachic Insights

Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:15) derives from this verse that structural elements of sacred spaces require both aesthetic beauty (hidur mitzvah) and functional integrity. The gold overlay was not merely decorative but served to elevate the Mishkan's sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'pillars' mentioned in Exodus 36:38?
A: The 'pillars' refer to the five wooden posts that supported the entrance curtain (masach) of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that these pillars were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, symbolizing beauty and sanctity in Hashem's dwelling place.

Q: Why were the sockets of the pillars made of brass (copper) instead of gold?
A: The Midrash teaches that brass (nechoshet) represents strength and durability. While the upper parts of the Mishkan used precious metals to reflect holiness, the sockets needed to be sturdy to support the structure. Rambam notes that this also teaches us the importance of having strong foundations in spiritual matters.

Q: What is the significance of the number five in this verse?
A: The number five appears twice - for the pillars and their sockets. The Talmud (Menachot 29b) connects this to the five books of the Torah, showing that the Mishkan's construction reflects Torah principles. Each detail corresponds to deeper spiritual concepts.

Q: What can we learn today from the details of the Mishkan's construction?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that just as the Mishkan combined different materials (gold and brass) for different functions, we must balance spiritual aspirations (gold) with practical necessities (brass) in serving Hashem. Every detail matters in creating holiness in our lives.

Q: What were the 'hooks' (vavim) used for in the Mishkan?
A: Rashi explains these were gold hooks attached to the pillars that held up the woven screen (masach) at the Mishkan's entrance. The Talmud (Shabbat 98a) describes how these hooks demonstrate the precision required in fulfilling mitzvot - every component had a specific purpose in serving Hashem.