שמות, פרק כ״ו, פסוק ל״ג

The design of the Tabernacle establishes a clear spatial hierarchy, dividing the structure into two distinct realms of holiness through the use of a completely opaque fabric partition [שטיינזלץ]. The exact placement of this partition was determined by the structure of the roof. It was hung directly beneath the golden clasps that connected the large tent curtains together [שטיינזלץ]. Because these clasps were located twenty cubits from the entrance, dropping the curtain at this precise point divided the entire internal space into two sections. The outer area, known as the Holy [תורה תמימה], spanned twenty cubits in length and housed the table, the menorah, and the incense altar. Beyond the curtain lay the inner chamber, the Holy of Holies, a perfect square measuring ten by ten cubits, which contained the Ark and its cover [רשב״ם, בכור שור, ביאור יש״ר, רבנו בחיי, קאסוטו, רש״ר הירש].

The instructions command that the Ark of the Testimony be brought inside, behind the protective boundary of the curtain [שטיינזלץ]. This sequence implies that the curtain was to be hung first, followed by the placement of the Ark. However, this presents a chronological difficulty, as the later historical account of the Tabernacle's actual assembly records that the Ark was brought in before the curtain was spread. The primary approach among commentators is that the initial instruction does not dictate the practical steps of construction. Rather, it defines the ultimate purpose and architectural vision: the curtain exists to create an isolated, secure sanctuary where the Ark rests and from which God speaks to Moses [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך, אור החיים, מלבי״ם, ביאור יש״ר].

Other perspectives explain the shift in the order of operations as a practical necessity. If the pillars and the curtain had been set up first, the narrow gap between the pillars would not have provided enough room to maneuver the wide Ark and its carrying poles into the inner chamber. Consequently, the Ark had to be positioned beforehand [קאסוטו]. Another view suggests a combined process: Moses did indeed hang the curtain first, but he left it rolled up toward the ceiling. Only after the Ark was safely inside did he lower the fabric to finalize the division of the space [העמק דבר].

A subtle textual nuance suggests that the absolute separation of the spaces did not occur the exact moment the Ark was brought inside. Instead, the boundary was only fully realized after the cover was placed upon the Ark and the curtain was completely lowered [אבן עזרא, מנחת שי, העמק דבר]. This separation carried profound meaning. The partition was designed specifically to create a boundary for human beings, establishing both a mental and physical barrier that strictly forbade the priests from entering the innermost sanctuary [רש״ר הירש]. Yet, this restriction applied differently to Moses. He was permitted to stand right at the threshold, at the precise spot where the poles of the Ark pressed slightly outward against the fabric, allowing him a unique degree of access that was denied to Aaron and the rest of the priests [העמק דבר].

Finally, the guidelines make clear that the Tabernacle utilized only a single curtain to serve as this definitive border. This stands in contrast to the later architecture of the Second Temple. In that era, the absence of a solid stone dividing wall created uncertainty regarding the exact boundary line between the Holy and the Holy of Holies. To resolve this doubt, two separate curtains were hung with a space of one cubit between them, ensuring the sacred boundary was properly maintained without question [תורה תמימה].