The Menorah in the Mishkan was placed on the south wall. The Shulchan stood opposite on the north wall.
Nothing could be placed between the Menorah and the Shulchan. Even the incense altar which stood in the centre, had to be positioned to the east so that it would not obstruct.
The Torah teaches that the menorah lights should shine אל מול פני המנורה. Most commentators explain that the wicks of the Menorah were positioned so that the flames all shone towards (מול) the central branch of the Menorah.
But we can look at this differently. מול means opposite. The verse is teaching that the candles should shine towards that which stood opposite (מול) the Menorah. Meaning the Menorah’s function is to illuminate the Shulchan. (Chizkuni)
This contains a very deep teaching. Each morning we spiritually connect through prayer and Torah study, represented by the Menorah. We want to take this connection with us to illuminate and inspire us in our worldly pursuits and daily activities, represented by the Shulchan.
We have to make sure that nothing obstructs this flow of light so that our workday can also be radiated with the light of spiritual meaning and Divine purpose; by facing the lights of the menorah, our G-dly connection, towards our shulchan, our daily bread.
Nothing could be placed between the Menorah and the Shulchan. Even the incense altar which stood in the centre, had to be positioned to the east so that it would not obstruct.
The Torah teaches that the menorah lights should shine אל מול פני המנורה. Most commentators explain that the wicks of the Menorah were positioned so that the flames all shone towards (מול) the central branch of the Menorah.
But we can look at this differently. מול means opposite. The verse is teaching that the candles should shine towards that which stood opposite (מול) the Menorah. Meaning the Menorah’s function is to illuminate the Shulchan. (Chizkuni)
This contains a very deep teaching. Each morning we spiritually connect through prayer and Torah study, represented by the Menorah. We want to take this connection with us to illuminate and inspire us in our worldly pursuits and daily activities, represented by the Shulchan.
We have to make sure that nothing obstructs this flow of light so that our workday can also be radiated with the light of spiritual meaning and Divine purpose; by facing the lights of the menorah, our G-dly connection, towards our shulchan, our daily bread.
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