Hashemcommands Moshe to build a Mishkan (Sanctuary) and supplies him with detailed instructions. The Jewish People are asked to contribute precious metals and stones, fabrics, skins, oil and spices. In the Mishkan's outer courtyard there is an Altar for the burnt offerings and a Laver for washing. The Tent of Meeting is divided by a curtain into two chambers. The outer chamber is accessible only to the Kohanim, the descendants of Aharon. This contains the Table of showbreads, the Menorah, and the Golden Altar for incense. Entrance to the innermost chamber, the Holy of Holies, was permitted only for the Kohen Gadol, and only once a year, on Yom Kippur. Here is the Ark that held the Ten Commandments inscribed on the two tablets of stone which Hashem gave to the Jewish nation on Mount Sinai. All of the utensils and vessels, as well as the instructions for the construction of the Mishkan, are described in great detail.

PARSHA INSIGHTS

The Source of the Light

“You shall make the Menorah out of pure gold…” (25:31)

The last of the vessels of the Holy Temple described by the Torah is the Menorah, and yet visually it was the most striking. Although its esoteric and mystical meanings are virtually without end, on the simplest level it expressed the majesty of the Holy Temple. It was made of pure gold and its lamps burned constantly. When entering the Holy Temple, one would be awed by its splendor.

It was placed in the outer chamber of the Holy Temple so that it would be impressive and inspiring to all who entered. But its placement in the outer chamber also conveyed another, more subtle message. The Torah, in the Holy Ark, in the Holy of Holies, needed no light. The Torah is its own light. Both the Hebrew word “Torah” and its Aramaic counterpart “Orayasa” contain the same root word, “Ohr,” which means “light.” This emphasizes that the true source of light in this world is the Torah.