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THE TABERNACLE

At Mount Sinai the Israelite nation received the commandment to build for G-d a Sanctuary. The commandment consisted of precise instructions concerning the construction of the tabernacle, its attending vessels, and the surrounding courtyard. In this manner the words were fulfilled: "... and I shall dwell among them." For the first time on the face of the earth there existed a nation in whose midst dwelt the One G-d, Creator of the universe. The completed Tabernacle was dedicated on the first day of the month of Nisan, one year after the exodus from Egypt. From that point forth, it would travel with the children of Israel throughout their forty year sojourn in the wilderness. It would serve as the spiritual heart of the nation, from which instruction would go forth, and in which the Divine service would be performed. Upon entering the land of Israel, the Tabernacle would continue to perform this function for some four hundred years, after which it was superseded by the Holy Temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem.

The Copper Altar and its Components

"And you will make an altar of acacia wood, five amot long and five amot wide; the altar will be four-square, and the height three amot. And make horns upon it in the four corners. The horns will be of a single piece, (with the altar), and it will be overlaid with copper." (Exodus 27:1-2)

There exists a difference of opinion between the two sages, Rabbi Yehudah, and Rabbi Yossi, (Mishna Zevachim), as to the height of the copper altar, (mizbeach), and the surrounding courtyard curtains. According to the reckoning of Rabbi Yehudah, the height of the altar was three amot, (approximately 1.5 meter) high. In each of the four corners atop the altar was a square keren, or horn.

The Copper Altar rests upon a Stone Base

According to the reckoning of Rabbi Yossi, the total height of the altar reached ten amot, (approximately 5 meter) high. When the Israelites made camp in the wilderness, a stone ramp was built. At the high end of the ramp a base of stone was constructed upon which the copper altar was placed. After the altar was set in place, copper panels were places around the three exposed sides of the altar base.

The Tabernacle Beams and their Fittings

The Tabernacle beams, (krashim), were made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. At the top of the beam were three tenons and at the bottom, a double tenon. The beams were adjoined at the top by silver sockets, (taba'ot), that fit over the tenons. The double tenon at the foot of each beam were inserted into silver sockets, (adanim), that served as a base for the wall. For additional support, bolts were inserted into gold rings placed along the length of the beams.

The Courtyard Pillars and their Fittings