בס”ד
By Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
Painting by: Baruch Nachshon z”l
The Secret of the Shoham Stone: The Union of Human Will and Heavenly Flow
- The Silence of the Nesi’im and Moshe’s Vision of Fire
The Pirkei De-Rabbi Natan notes that while Moshe Rabbeinu was occupied with the construction of the Mishkan, he did not seek counsel from the Nesi’im (Princes) of Israel. The Torah Temimah explains that this was not a slight; rather, the Holy One showed Moshe the design in a “vision of fire.” When a plan is of such a pure origin, there is no room for human doubt.
The Nesi’im initially waited to see what would be missing. When they heard the nation had brought “more than enough,” they grieved to have missed their portion. Consequently, they “rose and added a great thing of their own”—the Shoham (Onyx) stones.
- Stones from the Heavens: Miracles Born of Ratzon
The Ba’al HaTurim and the Shem MiShmuel note that the Shoham stones actually descended from the heavens with the Manna. Their merit in “bringing” them lay in their Secret of Will (Ratzon). The Heavenly abundance descended only for those with a burning desire to give. Their contribution was the manifestation of a deep inner Ratzon that became a vessel for a supernatural miracle.
- The Shoham as the “Chevron” of the Soul
The word Chevron (חברון) shares its root with Chibur (connection). Just as the Shoham stone on the Ephod shoulder-straps served as the physical point of connection for the Mishkan, Chevron is the geographic and spiritual point where the “Lower World” connects to the “Upper World.”
According to the Midrash, the Ma’arat HaMachpelah in Chevron is the “Lower Garden of Eden”—the threshold and conduit to the afterlife. It is the place where the physical earth meets the spiritual source. The Shoham stone, representing the attribute of Da’at (Knowledge/Connection), mirrors this “Chevron” energy: it is the bridge that allows the Divine Presence to dwell within the physical sanctuary.
- The Shoham in the Realm of Da’at
- The Holy Name Mem-He-Shin (מה”ש): Linked to Moshe, the letters Mem-He (מ”ה) relate to the “Middle Line” within Da’at, while the letter Shin (ש) hints at the Name Elohim (300), sweetening Judgments with Mercy.
- The Cantillation (Trop): The Zakef Gadol on “Shoham Stones” visually combines the Vav (Mercy) and the Sheva (Judgment), representing the Middle Line that connects all forces back to their Source.
- Yosef HaTzaddik and the Point of Light
The tribe of Yosef is assigned to the Shoham stone. Yosef, representing Yesod (Foundation), channels and connects. Rav Kook zt”l explains that the “Shoham point” is the “Light of Heavenly Fire”—a fusion of Water (Chesed) and Fire (Gevurah). This is the secret of Shamayim (Heavens), combining Esh (Fire) and Mayim (Water), unified within the Da’at.
Summary: The Shoham stones are the bridge between human generosity and Divine miracle. Like the holy city of Chevron, they teach us that when a person awakens their Ratzon through the “Middle Line,” they open a portal to the “Lower Garden of Eden,” allowing Heaven to provide the tools to complete their holy work.