The Mizbayach, Altar, was to be perfectly square shaped. What special significance is there in the fact that the architectural design of the Mizbayach–and for that matter, the Mishkan, the Aron Hakodesh and the Shulchan–consisted of rectangular lines? Horav S. R. Hirsch, z”l, observes that all of nature’s products are symbolized by circularity. Only the human being, whose mind can impose limitations and parameters upon himself, is able to create objects with straight lines and angles. The circle represents the absence of limitation to freedom and autonomy. This lack of restraint reflects tumah, spiritual impurity. The rectangle, on the other hand, symbolizes independent will dominating the material world. It represents restraint and control. Hence, it reflects the concept of taharah, spiritual purity. The Mishkan, as well as the holy keilim, appurtenances, represented kedushah and taharah. Therefore they consisted of rectangular lines.
The Mishkan stands in contrast to nature. It represents the sanctification of humans to the spiritual ideal. It characterizes a life of moral self-control, a life of constraint, a life of sanctity. The concept of the Mishkan implies man’s ability to resist the internal forces which compel him to defer to his natural tendencies. Horav Hirsch compares the Mizbayach to the Tefillin, which are also square. While the Mizbayach sanctifies the flesh and blood, the Tefillin represent the submission of man’s organs to the service of Hashem.
