שמות, פרק כ״ז, פסוק ד׳

The design of the Altar in the Tabernacle included a unique copper grating that served both practical and profound symbolic purposes. Formed like a net, this structure functioned as a sifter [אבן עזרא, רשב״ם, רש״ר הירש, קאסוטו]. It featured large openings similar to a fishing net rather than the tiny holes of a fine flour sifter [העמק דבר, נתינה לגר]. Although nets are typically woven from rope, this specific network was crafted entirely from solid copper [רש״י, מזרחי, גור אריה].

The primary approach among commentators is that this grating acted as a type of garment or outer covering for the surface of the Altar [שטיינזלץ, רש״י]. Opinions differ on its exact integration. While [רלב״ג] considers it permanently attached to the Altar, others view it as a separate, movable piece placed over the exterior [שד״ל, מלבי״ם]. This separation preserved the smooth, square shape of the Altar's main body. By attaching the necessary carrying rings to this outer net rather than the Altar itself, the structural integrity of the Altar remained perfectly intact [מלבי״ם].

The copper network fulfilled several distinct practical roles. Four copper rings positioned on its corners allowed the carrying poles to be threaded through, enabling the transport of the Altar during the journeys through the desert [קאסוטו, שטיינזלץ, דעת זקנים]. Additionally, the net protruded outward to catch stray coals or pieces of meat that might fall from the fire. This prevented the sacred offerings from touching the ground and becoming invalid, allowing the priests to easily retrieve and return them to the flames [העמק דבר, שד״ל]. Reaching exactly halfway up the height of the Altar, the grating also provided a clear visual boundary. It guided the priests in distinguishing between the types of sacrificial blood designated for the upper half of the Altar and those meant for the lower half [רלב״ג].

This intricate network was exclusive to the portable Tabernacle in the desert. Later, the permanent Altar built in the Temple did not require such a net. It was significantly wider and featured a built-in surrounding ledge to catch falling items, while a simple red line painted around the middle served to divide the blood [העמק דבר, מלבי״ם].

Beyond its physical utility, the copper grating carried deep spiritual significance. The concept of a sieve represents the vital process of clarifying truth and refining the material world [רש״ר הירש]. Furthermore, the physical net of the Altar acts as a spiritual counterforce, rescuing a person from the entanglement of the evil inclination. Just as the Altar miraculously withstood the harsh elements of nature, a strong spiritual hold on the service of the Altar and the Torah is meant to protect a person from harm, error, and ultimate destruction [כלי יקר, שפתי כהן].