Menachos 94b

מנחות צ״ד ע״ב

Menachot 94b

Learn Menachos 94b step by step: Aramaic beside English, every question, answer and proof colour-coded.

Open Menachos 94b in Gemara Clarity

Topic

The shape of the לחם הפנים (open box or rocking boat), and how each shape works with the bowls, rods and side panels on the שולחן.

Overview

רבי חנינא and רבי יוחנן disagree about the shape of the לחם הפנים. רבי חנינא says it was like an open box: a flat, wide bottom with straight walls. רבי יוחנן says it was like a rocking boat: a narrow bottom with walls slanting outward. The גמרא first raises three challenges against the boat shape, about the בזיכין (frankincense bowls), the קנים (rods between the loaves) and the סניפין (side panels). Each one is answered with a small practical adjustment. Then the גמרא turns to the open-box view. It explains that there the סניפין carry the weight so the lower loaves don't break. It also explains that in that view the סניפין stood on the ground, as רבי אבא בר ממל says. Finally, רבי יהודה's statement that the loaves and panels hold each other up is shown to fit only the rocking-boat view.

Opening lines

The steps (13)

1. StatementTwo views on the shape of the shewbread
2. ChallengeHow could the frankincense bowls rest on a boat-shaped loaf?
3. ResolutionA flat spot was made for the bowls
4. ChallengeHow could the rods rest on a boat-shaped loaf?
5. ResolutionA small base was added to the loaf
6. ChallengeHow could the side panels support a boat-shaped loaf?
7. ResolutionThe panels were bent to match the loaf
8. ChallengeWhy would the open-box view need panels at all?
9. ResolutionThe panels keep the lower loaves from breaking
10. ChallengeWhere would the panels stand in the open-box view?
11. ResolutionYes, the panels stood on the ground
12. QuestionWhich view fits רבי יהודה's statement?
13. ResponseIt fits the rocking-boat view