1)

What were the 'Malkachayim' and the 'Machtos'? What purpose did they serve?

1.

Rashi, Rashbam, Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonasan: The 'Malkachayim' were tweezers to remove the wicks from the oil, 1 and the 'Machtos', shovels, to remove the burnt ashes. 2

2.

Ramban 3 : The 'Malkachayim' were lids 4 to cover the lampholders, to prevent anything from falling into the oil; whereas the 'Machtos' were little bowls that were fitted underneath each lampholder to catch the sparks that fell from them.


1

Acording to the Rashbam, they were to place the wicks into the lampholders.

2

And the remaining oil, when preparing the Menorah each morning (Rashbam).

3

Based on a Beraisa (Refer to 25:39:2:4*).

4

As in Tehilim, 22:16 (See Ramban).

2)

What is the significance of the fact that the three right-hand lamps and the three left-hand lamps faced the lamp on the center-shaft?

1.

Seforno: Refer to 25:31:1.1:1 and note. To teach us that the Talmidei-Chachamim and the Ba'alei-Batim respectively, both toil towards the same aim, having in mind to serve the 'Or ha'Elyon' (the One who illuminates the universe). 1


1

Seforno, Ibid.: And it is for the same reason that the Menorah was (the only K'ki in the Mishkan that had to be) made out of one lump of gold - denoting unity.

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