Exodus 35:13 - Table's sacred vessels' purpose?

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Hebrew Text

אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָן וְאֶת־בַּדָּיו וְאֶת־כָּל־כֵּלָיו וְאֵת לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים׃

English Translation

the table, and its poles, and all its vessels, and the showbread,

Transliteration

Et-hashulchan ve'et-badav ve'et-kol-kelav ve'et lechem hapanim.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶת־הַשֻּׁלְחָ֥ן וְאֶת־בַּדָּ֖יו וְאֶת־כׇּל־כֵּלָ֑יו וְאֵ֖ת לֶ֥חֶם הַפָּנִֽים׃

Parasha Commentary

The Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan

The verse describes the components of the Shulchan (Table) in the Mishkan, including its poles, vessels, and the Lechem HaPanim (Showbread). According to Rashi (Shemos 25:23), the Shulchan was made of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing both material sustenance and spiritual elevation. The table represents the Divine blessing of sustenance, as the presence of the Lechem HaPanim demonstrated Hashem's continuous providence.

The Lechem HaPanim (Showbread)

The Lechem HaPanim consisted of twelve loaves arranged in two stacks (Menachos 96a), corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel. The Rambam (Hilchos Temidin U’Musafin 5:9) explains that these loaves were replaced every Shabbos and were later eaten by the Kohanim, symbolizing that physical sustenance is ultimately sanctified through Divine service.

Symbolism of the Twelve Loaves: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 21:8) teaches that the twelve loaves represented the unity of Klal Yisrael, as all tribes were equally sustained by Hashem’s blessing.
Purity of the Vessels: The vessels of the Shulchan, such as the dishes and spoons (Shemos 25:29), had to be kept in a state of purity, reflecting the principle that material wealth must be used for holiness (Ramban, Shemos 25:29).

The Poles (Badim) of the Shulchan

The Badim (poles) were used to carry the Shulchan during travel (Rashi, Shemos 25:27). Unlike the Aron’s poles, which were never removed, the Shulchan’s poles were inserted only when needed, teaching that while material needs must be portable and adaptable, Torah (symbolized by the Aron) remains constant (Kli Yakar, Shemos 25:15).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'showbread' (lechem hapanim) mentioned in Exodus 35:13?
A: The 'showbread' (lechem hapanim) refers to twelve special loaves of bread that were placed on the golden table in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). According to the Talmud (Menachot 94b), they were arranged in two stacks of six loaves each and were replaced with fresh bread every Shabbat. The old loaves were then given to the kohanim (priests) to eat.

Q: Why was the table with the showbread important in the Mishkan?
A: The table with the showbread symbolized G-d's blessings of sustenance and prosperity (Rashi on Exodus 25:23). The Rambam (Hilchot Beit Habechirah 3:13) explains that it served as a constant reminder that all material blessings come from Hashem. The Talmud (Chagigah 26b) also teaches that the showbread remained fresh all week as a miracle, demonstrating G-d's presence in the Mishkan.

Q: What can we learn today from the mitzvah of the showbread?
A: The showbread teaches us that even physical sustenance has a spiritual dimension. Just as the bread was placed in the holiest place, we should recognize that our food is a gift from Hashem and use our material blessings for holy purposes (based on Vayikra Rabbah 34:9). Many have the custom to cover challah on Shabbat as a reminder of the showbread that was covered in the Mishkan (Mishnah Berurah 271:45).

Q: What were the poles (badim) of the table used for?
A: The poles were used to carry the table when the Mishkan was transported during the Israelites' travels in the wilderness (Rashi on Exodus 25:27). The Talmud (Menachot 96a) explains that the poles were never removed from the table, symbolizing that the service of Hashem is constant and not limited to one location.

Q: How often was the showbread replaced and what happened to the old bread?
A: The Torah commands that the showbread be replaced every Shabbat (Vayikra 24:8). The Talmud (Menachot 99b) describes how the new bread was brought in while the old bread was still on the table, demonstrating that one blessing should overlap with another. The old loaves were then distributed to the kohanim, as eating them brought atonement (Yoma 39a).