Mefarshim

Q: Why is the construction of the Tabernacle attributed to Moshe, even though many others contributed?

A: While Betzalel, Oholiav, and other craftsmen built the Tabernacle, Moshe oversaw its form, ensuring every item matched the specifications revealed to him on Mount Sinai. His meticulous guidance earned him credit for its completion.

Q: Why does the Pasuk state “On the day Moshe finished erecting”?

A: It indicates that Moshe had erected and dismantled the Tabernacle repeatedly during the seven days of installation rites. However, on the first day of Nisan, the repeated erections ceased, marking the final completion.

Q: Who were the princes of the tribes mentioned?

A: They were foremen in Egypt who endured floggings on behalf of their people. Later, they stood with Moshe and Aaron during the counting of Israelites.

Q: Why did the princes contribute first to the dedication of the Altar?

A: During the Tabernacle’s construction, they allowed the community to contribute first and planned to fill in any gaps. When the community provided everything, the princes contributed precious stones for the Ephod and Breastplate. Inspired by this event, they chose to lead contributions for the Altar.

Q: Why was the order of the princes’ offerings significant?

A: God instructed the offerings to follow the tribes’ journeying formation. Netan’el of Issachar was second because his tribe was skilled in Torah study and had advised the princes on their contributions.

Q: What do specific offering items symbolize?

• Silver bowl (weighing 130 shekels): Represents Adam’s age when he established offspring.
• Gold (weighing 10 shekels): Represents the Ten Commandments.
• 930 (silver bowl): Represents Adam’s lifespan.
• 613 (incense): Represents the commandments of the Torah.
• 70 shekels (silver dashing basin): Represents the 70 nations descending from Noah.
• One bull: Symbolizes Abraham feeding the angels.
• One ram: Symbolizes Isaac’s ascent-offering.
• One lamb: Symbolizes Jacob segregating sheep.
• One he-goat: Atones for Joseph’s brothers selling him.

Q: How was the dedication of the Altar carried out?

A: Each prince presented their offering individually, one per day, as commanded by God. The order followed their tribes’ journeying formation.

Q: What is the significance of the first day of offerings?

A: The first day of offerings, coinciding with the first day of Nisan, received “10 crowns” for its unique significance, including being the first day of creation and the first day of the princes’ offerings.