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“And all the pegs of the chatzer (shall be made of) copper.” (27:19)

Rashi explains that these pegs were made of copper and helped secure the curtains of the Ohel and the hangings of the Chatzer. They were tied with ropes around their bottoms, so that the wind would not lift them. At first Rashi questions the technical application of these pegs. He discusses whether they were anchored in the ground or tied and suspended, so that their sheer weight held down the bottoms of the curtains to keep them from moving in the wind. Horav Moshe Feinstein z.l., compares the pegs and curtains to a ben Torah. A ben Torah is apt…

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“And you shall make the planks for the Mishkan of shittim wood standing up.” (26:15)

Chazal state that shittim (acacia) wood does not bear fruit. It is a strong and tough wood which has limited practical application. What is the significance of this wood in regard to the Mishkan? It would seem that the wood selected to serve as the walls of the Mishkan, the mainstays of the edifice wherein the Shechinah would “repose,” would be one which had many practical uses. We suggest that this choice imparts an important message. The planks of the Mishkan may be viewed metaphorically as the Torah scholars in a community. To the “simple” citizen they might not seem…

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“And you shall make a candelabra of pure gold, hammered out shall the candelabra be made.” (25:31)

Chazal teach us that the menorah was the only vessel which was “mikshah,” hammered out. Its various parts were “drawn out” from an original mass of gold by means of the beating of a hammer.  The commentators, each in his own inimitable style, suggest rationales for the distinct technical deviation in the shaping of the menorah. We suggest the following reason. In his commentary on Avos 4:17, the Maharal explains the Mishnah which states: There are three crowns, the crown of Torah, the crown of Kehunah, and the crown of royalty, but the crown of a shem tov, good name,…

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“And this is the donation you shall take from them, gold, silver and copper.” (25:3)

In the Midrash, Chazal infer that these three metals represent the three Patriarchs. Gold is symbolic of Avraham Avinu in that he was tested like gold in the fiery furnace. Silver alludes to Yitzchak Avinu, who was purified on the altar in the same manner that silver is refined. Copper, which in Hebrew is “nechoshes,” brings Yaakov to mind. Lavan was referring to Yaakov when he said, “nichashti,” I have observed the signs that Hashem has blessed me for your sake” (Bereishis 30:27). This Midrash begs elucidation.  First, what relationship is there between the Patriarchs and the various metals used…

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