שמות, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ל״ב

The separation between the sacred space of the Tabernacle and its most intimate inner chamber, the Holy of Holies, was not formed by a solid wall. Instead, a magnificent, woven veil created a clear boundary, requiring a unique support system to bear its heavy weight.

To hang this grand partition [קאסוטו], four acacia wood pillars were erected, resting in four specialized silver bases on the ground [רש״י, קאסוטו]. While the exact dimensions of these pillars are not explicitly recorded, their thickness and width were tailored to match the silver bases, ensuring the veil hung perfectly straight down to the floor [מלבי״ם, ביאור ישר].

The arrangement of these four pillars within the space is a matter of discussion. Some suggest they were spaced evenly [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Others propose an uneven distribution, with two pillars positioned near the outer walls and the middle two set widely apart, creating a broad passage for the Ark of the Covenant to be brought inside [מלבי״ם, ביאור ישר]. The use of four pillars here contrasts with the five pillars stationed at the main entrance of the Tabernacle. This architectural difference reflects the function of each space. The Holy of Holies was entered only once a year by the High Priest, meaning a four-pillar structure would not hinder access. In contrast, the main entrance saw constant movement, requiring a five-pillar design to keep the entranceway clear [חזקוני].

Atop the pillars sat golden hooks. These hooks were either curved upward [רש״י, ביאור ישר] or shaped like a split fork [רשב״ם, קאסוטו]. The method of hanging the veil depended on the shape of these hooks. One perspective suggests the veil featured four loops that attached directly onto the hooks [מלבי״ם, ביאור ישר]. Another view explains that the forked hooks cradled a long wooden pole, with the veil wrapped around and suspended from this crossbar [רש״י, קאסוטו]. In either case, the veil draped down the western, inner-facing side of the pillars [מלבי״ם, קאסוטו].

Measuring ten cubits by ten cubits, the veil was positioned directly beneath the clasps that joined the overhead tent curtains. This placement perfectly sectioned off the inner third of the Tabernacle, forming the Holy of Holies into a precise ten-by-ten cubit chamber [רש״י].

Because the veil was a perfect square, describing it with distinct dimensions of length and width presents a puzzle. Several explanations clarify this phrasing. The length may have been defined by the orientation of the figures woven into the fabric [שפתי חכמים]. Alternatively, the distinction is structural. The length refers to the vertical warp threads, which are stronger than the horizontal weft threads. Hanging the veil by the warp ensured the fabric could support its own immense weight without tearing [גור אריה]. A final explanation relates to the hanging method itself. If the top edge was wrapped around a wooden pole, the visible height of the veil became slightly less than ten cubits. Consequently, the horizontal dimension, remaining a full ten cubits, was designated as the length [משכיל לדוד].