The Mishkan

I. MISHKAN: Dwelling place of G-d¹s Testimony/Presence Dwelling place for the Tablets of Testimony Tent of Meeting (between G-d and man) Sanctuary (Mikdash):Tabernacle (latin, hut) Habitation, dwelling Tent of Testimony: Numbers,9:15 (li-ohel ha-adut)

II. HISTORY During the years 1700 B.C.E. To 1300 BCE, the Jewish people were living in Egypt where they had gone to seek relief from the famine in the land of Canaan. (Jerusalem Bible, page 343, Kaplan, page 211) At that time they were a loosely knit group of tribes united by a belief in El Shadaai, (G-d Almighty), an invisible, imageless G-d. (Kaplan, Gen. 48: 3, p. 241, Ex. 6:2, p. 281.)

Between 1250 B.C.E. And1230 B.C.E. (Jerusalem Bible,p. 343) or2449 Nissan I,Jewish lunar calendar), the Hebrews managed to get out of Egypt/ escaped from Egypt, led by their tribal leader, Moses. After crossing the Red Sea, they camped in the desert at Mt. Sinai. According to tradition, the Ten Commandants were given to Moses on top of the mountain. (Ex. 24:12) Along with the Law, Divine Specifications were also given for the making/ construction of the Mishkan, the portable fabric sanctuary/ temple designed to house the Ark of the Covenant that contained the two stone tablets of the Law and to provide a sacred space for performing the rituals associated with/ necessary for the worship of God. This was the beginning of the nation of Israel. (See Book of Exodus) III. Construction of the Tabernacle - Divine Instructions ³They shall make me a sanctuary and I will dwell among them. (Ex. 25:9) You must make the Tabernacle and all its furnishings following the Plan that I am giving you.² (A. Kaplan)

Almost half the book of Exodus is taken up with the description of the building of the Mishkan. Instructions are given in three sets of verses, Ex. 25:1 - Ex. 40:34. (See note re. Torah readings)

The Hebrew/ Jewish Bible (the Torah, the Five books of Moses) is divided into fifty two sections (Parshes, Parshiot). One parshe is read from the Torah each week in the synagogue, every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. (Some sections double up; footnote?)

The first set of verses describing the Mishkan consists of three Torah readings: Ex. 25:1 - Ex. 34:34, parshe Terumah, the Offering, parshe Tetzaveh, Command, and KiThisa, the Census. In these verses, instructions are given from G-d to Moses.

³They shall make me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among them. You must make the tabernacle and all its furnishings following the plan that I am showing you.² (Ex. 25:2-9)

These instructions included complete specifications for the plan of the Mishkan including materials to be used, measurements and dimensions, ritual articles/ objects, special clothing for the priests. The last instruction is for the selection of the architect. (Exodus 31: 1): ³G-d spoke to Moses saying: I have selected Bezalel, son of Uri son of Chur of the tribe of Judah by name. I have filled him with a Divine Spirit, with wisdom, understanding and knowledge, and with the talent for all types of craftsmanship. He will be able to devise plans as well as work in gold, silver and copper, cut stones to be set, carve wood, and do other work.² (Ex. 31:1-11,The Living Torah, Aryeh Kaplan, P. 447)

In parshe Terumah, instructions are given for the physical construction of the Tabernacle itself. Terumah means ³Offering² - something that is uplifted or elevated ( to a higher status).

³Speak to the Israelites and have them bring Me an offering. Take My offering from everyone whose heart impels him to give.² (Ex. 25:1, Kaplan, p.381)

A materials list follows. The community responded by bringing the following materials:

³The Offering that you take from them shall consist of the following: Gold, silver, copper, sky-blue (wool), dark red (wool), (wool dyed with) crimson worm, linen, goats wool, reddened rams skins, blue-processed skins, acacia wood, oil for the lamp, spices for the anointing oil and the sweet-smelling incense, and sardonyxes and other precious stones for the ephod and breastplate.²

The Mishkan - continued