It's all about finding hidden meanings within the Torah, within every verse, every word, even every letter. And sometimes, it’s about finding those meanings in the most unexpected places... like in the dimensions of the Tabernacle!
The Tabernacle, or Mishkan, as it’s known in Hebrew, was the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them through the desert after the Exodus. It was, in essence, a miniature version of the Temple that would later be built in Jerusalem. But it was more than just a building; it was a representation of the cosmos, a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm.
So, what secrets are hidden in its measurements? The Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei_Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">Tikkunei Zohar, in section 81, delves into the dimensions of the Tabernacle's planks, or keresh (קרש). It draws a fascinating parallel between these measurements and the human body. : a sacred space mirroring the very structure of our physical selves.
The text points out that each arm has two cubits from section to section, totaling four. And the two thighs? They also contribute four. Add those up, and we get eight. Then, the body itself brings us to ten. "Ten cubits is the length of a plank," the text reminds us, quoting Exodus 26:16. But it's not just about the numbers. The Tikkunei Zohar sees a deeper connection, a qesher (קשר), a connection, between these measurements. It even plays with the letters of the word "connection," suggesting a link between different levels of meaning.
Now, let’s move on to the poles, or batim, that held the planks together. Exodus 26:26-27 describes five poles for the planks on each side of the Tabernacle. What do these represent? According to the Tikkunei Zohar, they correspond to the five fingers of the right hand and the five fingers of the left hand.
Think about the symbolism here. The hands, our tools for creation, for action, for blessing, are directly linked to the structure that housed the Divine presence. It's a powerful image, isn't it? The very act of building, of crafting a sacred space, is intertwined with the essence of who we are.
What does all this mean for us? It’s an invitation to see the sacred in the mundane, to recognize the profound connections that exist between the physical and the spiritual. The Tabernacle, with its carefully measured planks and poles, becomes a reminder that everything is interconnected. Our bodies, the structures we build, the very fabric of the universe – all are part of a larger, divine tapestry. Next time you look at your hands, remember those poles, and consider what sacred structures _you_ might be building.