Exodus 38:15 - Tabernacle's symmetrical sacred entrance

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Hebrew Text

וְלַכָּתֵף הַשֵּׁנִית מִזֶּה וּמִזֶּה לְשַׁעַר הֶחָצֵר קְלָעִים חֲמֵשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה אַמָּה עַמֻּדֵיהֶם שְׁלֹשָׁה וְאַדְנֵיהֶם שְׁלֹשָׁה׃

English Translation

And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Transliteration

Velakatef hashenit mize umize lesha'ar hechatzer kla'im chamesh esre amah amudeihem shloshah veadneihem shloshah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלַכָּתֵ֣ף הַשֵּׁנִ֗ית מִזֶּ֤ה וּמִזֶּה֙ לְשַׁ֣עַר הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר קְלָעִ֕ים חֲמֵ֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה אַמָּ֑ה עַמֻּדֵיהֶ֣ם שְׁלֹשָׁ֔ה וְאַדְנֵיהֶ֖ם שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Mishkan

This verse (Exodus 38:15) describes the construction of the hangings (kelaim) for the courtyard (chatzer) of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The hangings were made of fine linen and supported by pillars (amudim) with sockets (adanim). The specific measurements and arrangements reflect the precision required in building the sacred space where the Divine Presence would dwell.

Measurement and Symmetry

Rashi explains that the "other side" refers to the western side of the courtyard, parallel to the eastern entrance. The hangings measured 15 cubits in length, with three pillars and three sockets supporting them. This symmetry emphasizes balance and order in the Mishkan's design, mirroring the harmony of Creation.

Significance of the Number Three

The Talmud (Yoma 33b) notes that the number three appears frequently in the Mishkan's construction, symbolizing:

The three Patriarchs (Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov), whose merit sustains the Jewish people.
The three divisions of the Jewish people: Kohanim, Leviim, and Yisraelim.
The three pillars of the world: Torah, Avodah (service), and Gemilut Chasadim (acts of kindness) (Pirkei Avot 1:2).

Pillars and Sockets

The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) draws a parallel between the Mishkan's pillars and the future Beit HaMikdash, noting that the sockets (adanim) represent stability. The Ibn Ezra adds that the pillars' silver material (as mentioned in earlier verses) signifies purity and dedication to divine service.

Spiritual Lessons

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 35:1) teaches that the courtyard's structure reflects the boundaries of holiness in a person's life. Just as the hangings separated the sacred from the mundane, we must establish spiritual boundaries to elevate our daily actions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 38:15 describe?
A: Exodus 38:15 describes the construction of the hangings (קְלָעִים) for the courtyard of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It specifies that on one side of the courtyard gate, there were hangings measuring 15 cubits in length, supported by three pillars with three sockets (bases). This was part of the detailed instructions for building the sacred space where the Israelites worshipped.

Q: Why were the hangings in the Mishkan's courtyard important?
A: The hangings in the Mishkan's courtyard were important because they created a boundary separating the holy space from the outside, as explained in traditional Jewish sources like Rashi. This separation emphasized the sanctity of the Mishkan and reminded the Israelites to approach with reverence. The precise measurements also reflected the Divine order and attention to detail required in serving Hashem.

Q: What can we learn from the details of the Mishkan's construction in Exodus 38:15?
A: From the details of the Mishkan's construction, we learn the importance of precision and dedication in fulfilling mitzvot (commandments). The Talmud (Eruvin 2a) discusses how every measurement in the Mishkan had spiritual significance. This teaches us that even the 'small' details in serving Hashem matter and contribute to the greater holiness of the community.

Q: How does the concept of boundaries in Exodus 38:15 apply today?
A: The concept of boundaries in Exodus 38:15 applies today by reminding us to create distinctions between holy and mundane aspects of life. Just as the Mishkan's hangings separated sacred space, we set boundaries in time (Shabbat, holidays) and behavior (kashrut, modesty) to elevate our daily lives. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) emphasizes that physical boundaries help cultivate spiritual awareness.