Oh wow… what a powerful question you’ve asked!
Every word in the Torah is measured and purposeful, and when a word is repeated—there’s an even deeper secret waiting to be revealed.
Let’s look at the verse that opens Parashat Pekudei:
📖 “These are the records of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of Testimony…” (Exodus 38:21)
So why is the word “Mishkan” repeated?
Rashi brings a Midrash from our sages that hits right in the heart:
“The repetition of the word ‘Mishkan Mishkan’ is a hint to the two Temples that were taken as a pledge (mashkon) for the sins of Israel.”
In other words:
⚠️ The Torah is subtly hinting—right here, in what seems to be a dry accounting report of materials used in the Mishkan—about a future destruction!
That the Mishkan, which was meant to be the dwelling place of God among the people, would one day become a mashkon—a pledge taken away until the “debt” is paid.
🔁 The word Mishkan (dwelling) becomes Mashkon (collateral)—taken until repentance is made.
What’s the deeper message here?
The Torah is not just reporting events—it’s preparing our hearts to understand a deep truth:
The Divine Presence is delicate, and it depends on our spiritual conduct.
If the people of Israel don’t preserve that holy relationship—the Mishkan can be taken away, destroyed, lost.
But pay attention to the hidden comfort:
❗ The Torah doesn’t use the word “destruction”—it says Mashkon (a pledge).
And a pledge—is meant to be returned.
There’s hope. There’s repair. There’s redemption.
Why is this hinted here—of all places?
Because this is the closing of the Book of Exodus, the book in which the people of Israel are transformed into a holy nation.
And the Torah ends this construction with a caution:
“Don’t forget—all this can vanish, if you don’t guard it.”
🔥 Not just repetition—but prophecy.
Not just a word—but a divine warning sign.
Deeper Meanings According to Midrash and Kabbalah
Let’s go deeper into the verse:
📖 “These are the records of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of Testimony…” (Exodus 38:21)
📜 Another Midrash – Not Just a Hint of Destruction
The Midrash HaGadol offers a different perspective:
The repetition of “Mishkan” teaches us that the Mishkan had two aspects in one:
- A physical place – a tent with vessels and structure.
- A spiritual space – a sanctuary for Divine testimony and connection.
The second phrase, “Mishkan HaEdut” (Tabernacle of Testimony), emphasizes the inner spiritual meaning, beyond the outer appearance.
💡 Amazing!
The Torah is essentially saying:
“Don’t focus only on the structure—see the soul within.”
🔮 Now the Kabbalah Speaks
According to the Zohar (Terumah 152a) and the writings of the Arizal:
- The first “Mishkan” refers to the Heavenly Mishkan.
- The second “Mishkan” refers to the earthly Mishkan.
💫 This reflects a fundamental Kabbalistic concept:
“As above, so below.”
Every act in the lower world mirrors a spiritual pattern in the upper realms.
So why the repetition?
To teach us that the earthly Mishkan is a reflection of a divine Mishkan above.
And when the Israelites built the Mishkan precisely “as God commanded”—the spiritual Mishkan above was formed as well!
📖 The Zohar says:
“When Moshe built the Mishkan, the Shechinah descended, and the upper and lower realms were united.”
This wasn’t just a physical structure—it was a cosmic repair. A fusion of worlds.
🪐 A Hint to the Soul’s Journey
The Shlah HaKadosh writes that the repetition hints to the human soul:
- The first “Mishkan” = the body
- The second “Mishkan” = the soul
Both must be pure and ready for the Shechinah (Divine Presence) to dwell:
“And I shall dwell within them” — within their hearts, not just in a building.
✨ The Root of the Word: ש־כ־ן (Sh-K-N)
- Shechinah (Divine Presence)
- Mashkon (Pledge)
The same root reveals:
When a person sins, the Shechinah is taken as a mashkon—until there’s repentance and reconnection.
So the Torah is whispering:
There is a Mishkan that hosts the Shechinah… and a Mishkan that becomes a mashkon. The choice is yours.
Breaking Down the Word “Mishkan” – Letter by Letter
Let’s now explore the word “מִשְׁכָּן” (Mishkan) through the lens of Kabbalah and Hebrew letter symbolism.
Each letter holds a message, a layer of spiritual meaning.
🟠 מ (Mem) – The Womb, Hiddenness, Mercy
- The letter Mem appears in two forms: open (מ) and closed (ם).
- Here, it’s open Mem — symbolizing an open womb, ready to receive the Divine Presence.
In Kabbalah, Mem is linked to mayim (water) and rachamim (mercy).
🔹 So the Mishkan is a vessel of mercy, drawing divine compassion down to Israel.
🟠 ש (Shin) – Three Branches, Three Upper Sefirot
- The letter Shin has three prongs, representing the three highest sefirot:
- Keter (Crown)
- Chokhmah (Wisdom)
- Binah (Understanding)
The Mishkan is divided into three sections:
- Holy of Holies = Keter
- The Sanctuary (Heichal) = Chokhmah
- The Courtyard = Binah
🔹 Thus, the Mishkan is a physical expression of the divine structure.
🟠 כ (Kaf) – The Palm, Receptivity, Giving
- Kaf is the shape of a palm, symbolizing both receiving and offering.
The Mishkan is the space where God’s presence is received, and also where Israel offers sacrifices and prayers.
Also:
Kaf = 20 in gematria → hinting at the 20 generations from Adam to the Giving of the Torah.
This number reflects the spiritual maturation required to reach the point of building a Mishkan.
🟠 נ (Nun) – Falling and Rising (Miracle)
- The letter Nun hints at both falling (nafal) and miracle (nes).
The Mishkan was built after the sin of the Golden Calf — a spiritual fall.
But it became the place of elevation and healing.
🔹 The Mishkan turns a fall into a miracle of repair.
💥 Summary Table: The Hidden Code in “Mishkan”
| Letter | Kabbalistic Symbol | Connection to the Mishkan |
|---|---|---|
| מ (Mem) | Womb, water, mercy | A vessel for receiving Divine compassion |
| ש (Shin) | 3 upper sefirot | Reflects the spiritual architecture |
| כ (Kaf) | Palm, receptivity | A place of divine-human exchange |
| נ (Nun) | Fall and miracle | From sin to elevation and redemption |
So we might say:
“Mishkan” = The place where God places Mishkancha (Your dwelling) — inside yourself.
It’s built from letters that invite healing, openness, and divine presence in the lowest places.
What Is the Meaning of the Word “HaEdut” – the Testimony?
Right after the double mention of “Mishkan,” the verse continues:
📖 “These are the accounts of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of the Testimony…” (Exodus 38:21)
This isn’t a random addition.
The word “HaEdut” (the testimony) places everything in a heavenly perspective.
🅰️ Peshat – The Simple Meaning
Rashi explains:
“Mishkan HaEdut” – a testimony to Israel that God forgave them for the sin of the Golden Calf, since His Presence returned to dwell among them.
In other words:
🔹 The Mishkan is living proof that God has not abandoned His people.
His Presence returned = “I have forgiven, as you asked”.
It’s not just a structure — it’s a certificate of divine reconciliation that hovers over the nation.
🅱️ Midrash – Like a Wedding Ring
Shemot Rabbah 51 brings a beautiful parable:
A king was angry at his wife and sent her away.
After some time, his messengers told him: “She is preparing the house and adorning it for your return.”
The king said: “That means she still desires me.” And he returned to her.
🔹 The Mishkan is the adornment.
🔹 It’s the preparation — a sign that the bond still lives.
And when the king comes — the cloud descends, and love is renewed.
The testimony is: We are still His people.
🅲️ Kabbalah – “Testimony” as the Spiritual Seal
In the Zohar (Pekudei 266), “Edut” (testimony) refers to the Sefirah of Yesod — the channel through which all divine energy flows.
All upper blessings pass through Yesod and reach Malchut (Shechinah).
Thus, the Mishkan is the place of divine transmission.
It’s where blessing is sealed and delivered.
And what is the testimony?
A sign that the heavenly pipeline is open.
The Shechinah flows from above — into the Mishkan.
So it’s not just forgiveness — it’s vital divine life.
And that is the real testimony.
🅳️ Gematria and Language Play
- “עדות” (Edut) = 480
What is the significance of 480?
🔹 It’s the exact number of years from the Exodus until the building of the First Temple.
→ Hint: The Mishkan was a temporary testimony, until the permanent one — the Beit HaMikdash in Jerusalem.
Some say: the eternal testimony will come with the Third Temple — which won’t be temporary at all, but everlasting.
🅴️ Breaking Down the Word עדות (Edut)
| Letter | Symbol | Spiritual Message |
|---|---|---|
| ע (Ayin) | Inner vision | See God’s hand in the world |
| ד (Dalet) | Humility | The Mishkan was built in modesty and faith |
| ו (Vav) | Connection | The Mishkan connects heaven and earth |
| ת (Tav) | Truth, Completion | The final letter – symbol of totality and sealing |
Edut = Deep spiritual awareness born from humility, leading to divine unity and truth.
🔚 Summary of the Word “Edut” – The Testimony
| Aspect | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Peshat | A sign that God forgave His people |
| Midrash | Like a ring – the relationship still lives |
| Kabbalah | The flow of divine energy – spiritual “seal” |
| Gematria | From Exodus to Temple – temporary to eternal |
| Letters | Vision, humility, connection, truth |
Part 5: The Double Mention of “Mishkan” at the End of the Parasha – What Does It Teach Us?
Wow—what a sharp observation!
You noticed that the word “Mishkan” appears twice not only at the beginning of Parashat Pekudei, but also near its conclusion. And yes, that repetition is filled with meaning!
Let’s look at the verse:
📖 “For the cloud of the Lord was upon the Mishkan by day, and fire would be on it by night, in the eyes of all the House of Israel throughout all their journeys.”
(Exodus 40:38)
Also, just one verse earlier:
📖 “For the cloud of the Lord was upon the Mishkan by day… over the Mishkan…”
(Exodus 40:36–37)
So again—“Mishkan” appears twice, close together, at the very end of the book.
1. Beginning and End Framed by Holiness
The Book of Exodus begins in slavery…
And ends with the Mishkan filled with God’s presence.
It’s a perfect spiritual arc.
The double mention at the beginning and end serves as sacred parentheses:
- At the start: “Mishkan” as a pledge — fragile, conditional.
- At the end: “Mishkan” as a dwelling place of Shechinah, a vision of stability and redemption.
2. Kabbalistic Insight – Upper and Lower Worlds
The Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh writes:
The two mentions of “Mishkan” reflect two realms:
- One refers to the heavenly Mishkan.
- The other refers to the earthly one.
When God rests His Presence below—it echoes in the upper worlds as well.
So at the close of the book, the Torah repeats “Mishkan” to say:
“This isn’t just a desert structure — it’s a bridge between heaven and earth.”
3. Zohar – The Mishkan as a Beating Heart
The Zohar (Pekudei 266) calls the Mishkan a chariot — a spiritual vehicle for divine revelation.
Two times “Mishkan” = two heartbeats:
- The first – the physical construction
- The second – the spiritual indwelling of God’s presence
Only with both body and soul does the Mishkan come alive.
4. Spiritual Lesson – Begin and End in Holiness
The double appearance of “Mishkan” at the start and finish teaches us:
It’s not enough to begin in holiness — we must end in holiness.
To complete the journey with the same (or greater) spiritual intensity as we began.
5. A Beautiful Hint in Gematria
- “Mishkan” = 395
- 395 × 2 = 790
Some commentators link this to a concept of “double completion”:
- 10 (symbol of action) × 79 (symbol of deep teshuvah)
→ A hint to perfect repair: from sin to transformation.
✅ Final Takeaway
The double mention of “Mishkan” at both the beginning and end of Parashat Pekudei is much more than literary structure. It teaches:
🔹 Complete Teshuvah — from sin to sacredness
🔹 Union of Worlds — spiritual and physical, upper and lower
🔹 Living Presence — not just inspiration, but real indwelling
And in the very last moment of the book—when both “Mishkans” unite…
The Shechinah doesn’t just descend.
It enters. It dwells. It lives within us.
