שמות, פרק כ״ז, פסוק ט׳

Following the instructions for the sacred vessels and the altar, the focus shifts to the outer perimeter of the sacred space. A courtyard completely surrounded the Tabernacle, defining the exact area dedicated to the service of God. This enclosure created a clear physical boundary, separating the holy grounds from the ordinary, everyday world outside [קאסוטו]. It was not merely an open space in front of the sanctuary, but a carefully measured perimeter that enclosed the central structure on all sides [אברבנאל, רש ר הירש].

The boundaries of this space were formed by open lines of space rather than solid, impenetrable walls [רש ר הירש]. The layout begins with the southern side. In ancient orientation, a person faces east, making the south the right side [אבן עזרא]. Commentators offer different perspectives on why the southern boundary is detailed first. Some suggest that the right side holds a place of greater honor, noting that the sacred Menorah was positioned on the southern side of the sanctuary [אברבנאל]. Others explain that the goal was to establish the overall length of the courtyard immediately, which is why the instructions begin with the longer southern and northern borders [רבנו בחיי].

The primary approach among commentators is that the courtyard measured one hundred cubits in length and fifty cubits in width. The Tabernacle itself did not sit in the exact center of this space. Instead, it was positioned in the western half. This arrangement left a uniform border of twenty cubits on the north, south, and west sides of the structure. Meanwhile, the eastern half of the courtyard remained a large, open square measuring fifty by fifty cubits, providing ample space for the altar [רבנו בחיי, רלב״ג, אברבנאל].

The perimeter was enclosed by large hangings, which caught the wind much like the sails of a ship [הכתב והקבלה, קאסוטו]. These sheets were not made of heavy, solid cloth. Instead, they were woven into a perforated, net-like mesh, similar to a sieve, allowing light and air to pass through [רש״י, רבנו בחיי, רש ר הירש]. Some note that this braided netting also featured woven shapes and designs [רשב״ם, מלבי״ם]. The hangings were suspended on wooden pillars spaced five cubits apart, firmly secured with hooks and pegs [ספורנו, קאסוטו].

Unlike the rich, multicolored fabrics used inside the Tabernacle, the outer courtyard hangings were made exclusively of fine, twisted white linen. This uniform simplicity reflected the courtyard's lesser degree of holiness compared to the inner sanctuary, as it stood outdoors and remained exposed to the sun and weather [אברבנאל]. Furthermore, the choice of linen carried a deep symbolic meaning. Linen is made from flax, a unique plant that produces only a single stalk from each seed. This singular growth represents the belief in one God, a core principle of the Israelites. Therefore, it was the most appropriate material to form the boundary dividing the sacred space from the material world [חומש קה״ת].