Exodus 36:22 - Tabernacle's perfect symmetry revealed

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Hebrew Text

שְׁתֵּי יָדֹת לַקֶּרֶשׁ הָאֶחָד מְשֻׁלָּבֹת אַחַת אֶל־אֶחָת כֵּן עָשָׂה לְכֹל קַרְשֵׁי הַמִּשְׁכָּן׃

English Translation

One board had two tenons, connected one with the other: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

Transliteration

Shtei yadot lakereish ha'echad meshulavot achat el-echat ken asah lechol karshai hamishkan.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׁתֵּ֣י יָדֹ֗ת לַקֶּ֙רֶשׁ֙ הָֽאֶחָ֔ד מְשֻׁ֨לָּבֹ֔ת אַחַ֖ת אֶל־אֶחָ֑ת כֵּ֣ן עָשָׂ֔ה לְכֹ֖ל קַרְשֵׁ֥י הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃

Parasha Commentary

Structural Design of the Mishkan's Boards

The verse (Shemot 26:17) describes the construction of the wooden boards (kerashim) for the Mishkan, each having two tenons (yadot) that interlocked with one another. Rashi explains that these tenons were like protruding pegs at the base of each board, which fit into corresponding sockets (adanim) made of silver (Shemot 26:19). This design ensured the stability and unity of the Mishkan's structure.

Symbolism of the Interlocking Tenons

The Midrash (Tanchuma, Terumah 9) highlights the spiritual significance of the interconnected boards:

Unity of Klal Yisrael: The interlocking tenons symbolize the unity of the Jewish people, where each individual supports and connects with others to form a cohesive whole.
Mutual Responsibility: Just as the boards relied on one another for stability, Jews are responsible for one another (areivim zeh lazeh), as taught in the Talmud (Shevuot 39a).

Halachic Precision in Construction

The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah 1:12) derives from this verse the importance of precision in building sacred structures. Each board had to be made identically (khen asah l'chol karshei haMishkan), teaching that uniformity and exactness are essential in divine service.

The Role of the Adanim (Sockets)

Ibn Ezra notes that the silver sockets served as the foundation, elevating the boards above the ground. This reflects the idea that holiness must be rooted in purity (symbolized by silver) and separated from earthly materialism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Exodus 36:22 mean when it talks about the boards of the Mishkan (Tabernacle)?
A: This verse describes the construction of the wooden boards used to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Each board had two tenons (projections or 'hands') that fit into sockets to connect them securely. Rashi explains that this design ensured the boards would stand firmly and remain interlocked, symbolizing the unity and stability of the Jewish people in serving Hashem.

Q: Why were the boards of the Mishkan connected with tenons?
A: The tenons (ידות) allowed the boards to fit perfectly into their sockets, creating a strong and stable structure for the Mishkan. The Midrash teaches that this precise craftsmanship reflects the importance of unity and cooperation among the Jewish people, just as the boards supported one another to form a sacred space for the Divine Presence.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the way the Mishkan's boards were joined together?
A: The interconnected boards teach us the value of unity and mutual support. Just as each board relied on the others to uphold the Mishkan, we must work together as a community to uphold Torah values. The Talmud (Sotah 17a) also compares marital harmony to the Mishkan's structure, emphasizing how proper connections create holiness.

Q: How does the construction of the Mishkan apply to our lives today?
A: Just as the Mishkan's boards were carefully designed to fit together, we must build our lives and communities with precision and unity. The Rambam (Hilchot Beit HaBechirah) derives principles of proper construction from the Mishkan, teaching that every detail matters in creating holiness—whether in a physical building or in our spiritual growth.