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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…

Rashi cites the Midrash that explains how Bnei Yisrael were able to secure shittim wood in the desert. These trees did not grow all over the wilderness. Yaakov Avinu had brought these cedars to Egypt. He “saw” that one day his descendants would leave Egypt and build a Mishkan which would require this type of wood for its construction. Let us take a moment to think about Yaakov’s foresight. He prepared for his children’s spiritual future. What about their material/physical existence? What did he provide for them? Nothing! Indeed, Bnei Yisrael are lauded for following Hashem into the desert, trusting…