שמות, פרק כ״ו, פסוק י״א

The structure of the Tabernacle is a carefully layered system, designed to protect its sacred interior while presenting a specific image to the outside world. Over the beautiful, detailed inner curtains rests a practical outer tent made of goat hair, serving as a protective envelope for the entire building. To hold this outer layer together, copper clasps unite the curtains into one complete, seamless cover [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. The choice of copper stands in sharp contrast to the gold clasps used for the inner curtains. The outer tent simply serves as a functional roof, holding a lower status than the honored inner sanctuary. Furthermore, there is no need for precious metals here, as the copper clasps remain completely hidden from view beneath additional protective layers placed on top [אבן עזרא].

The method of draping these curtains over the wooden boards was straightforward and well-suited to the conditions of the desert. The fabric rested directly on top of the boards to form a flat roof over the sanctuary. Because this outer layer was longer and wider than the inner curtains, it completely concealed them. The excess fabric hung down the outside of the boards on the north, south, and west sides, leaving only the eastern entrance open [קאסוטו]. At the back of the structure, on the western side, the extra fabric draped all the way down to drag along the ground. This specific draping gave the Tabernacle the appearance of a woman walking through the market with the long train of her dress trailing behind her [רש ר הירש].

The way the fabric was folded and spread at the front of the structure ensured that the copper clasps of the outer tent did not sit directly on top of the gold clasps of the inner layer. Instead, they were spaced two cubits apart, a practical measure that prevented any technical interference between the two sets of connections [קאסוטו]. Covering the magnificent inner curtains with goat hair might seem to hide their beauty, but this concealment only exists from the outside. For anyone standing inside the Tabernacle and looking up, the true glory is fully visible. They would see the woven cherubim, representing God's heavenly throne, alongside the gold clasps shining like stars against the fabric of the sky [קאסוטו].