Two spun coverings stretched out across the roof of the Tabernacle (Mishkan). The inner covering was a beautiful work of fine linen and wool dyed indigo, purple, crimson. The outer covering, on the other hand, was a simpler affair, made solely of goat-wool. One might think that the magnificent inner covering was the greater of the two. Yet the Talmud points out that the outer wool covering required greater wisdom to make. How do we know this?

The Torah describes the women involved in spinning the multi- colored covering as being 'wise-hearted.' Regarding the simpler, outer covering, on the other hand, the Torah indicates that the women utilized a special, sublime wisdom: "the women whose heart uplifted them in wisdom ..." (Ex. 35:25).

What was this special wisdom? According to the Talmud, the wool was washed and spun — while it was still on the goats (Shabbat 99).

Two Forms of Wisdom

The details of the Tabernacle construction correspond to the configuration of the universe — physically, and especially spiritually. The Sages compared the building of the Mishkan to the creation of heaven and earth.

Rav Kook explained that these two Tabernacle coverings relate to two separate layers of sublime wisdom, the basis for spiritual light and holiness in the world. The first form of wisdom is abstract and general in nature; the second is practical and detailed. The abstract wisdom shines brilliantly with the multiple facets of the intellect and the varied hues of the imagination. This general wisdom deals with inner, sublime matters, and thus corresponds with the colorful, inner covering.

The practical wisdom, on the other hand, would appear to be a simpler matter, serving primarily to protect and guard the abstract concepts of the inner, hidden wisdom. But in truth, the wisdom of practical application of abstract principles is deep and rare. While spiritual abstractions may be revealed through normal prophecy and divine inspiration, the eternal Torah of deeds and mitzvot was revealed to the world only by means of Moses' unique prophetic vision.

"The women whose heart uplifted them in wisdom." These women were gifted with the innermost wisdom. By virtue of its profound depth, they were able to elevate the entire heart, all of life, all senses and emotions, all actions and all deeds. Their wisdom reached the level of "they spun (on) the goats." Even the most mischievous, base forms of life — as represented by the goat — were bound and tied to the supernal light of eternity.

(adapted from Ein Eyah vol. IV, pp. 245-246)

Copyright © 2006 by Chanan Morrison