As we move toward the end of Masechet Menachot, the rabbis continue their discussion about the rituals surrounding Temple offerings. Today's daf focuses on the shewbread. These are the shtei ha'lechem, two loaves, brought on Shavuot that celebrate the new Harvest, and the lechem panim, twelve loaves, which are placed on a table each week.
Unlike other offerings, these are baked in a pan that provides them with a distinct shape. In addition, they are eaten whole by the priests. The daf focuses on details regarding the shewbread and on the table. We do not learn how they were kneaded, baked, or shaped by their pans. Further, we know little about the table nor its utensils.
In the Gemara, the rabbis share some of their ideas regarding these missing details. Rabbi Chanina says that the shewbread were shaped like open boxes. Rabbi Yochanan says that shewbread were shaped like boats rocking on waves. The Chazon Ish says that this disagreement was an ordinary argument, for either shape was plausible. We are not told how much dough was used to create these shapes, but the ingredients listed earlier could easily serve either shape.
It is wonderful to read the rabbis admitting to their own creativity. So often interpretations are presented as facts based on proofs; however, much creative thinking is required in all interpretation.
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