Three holy vessels stood in the inner sanctuary of the mishkan. The shulchan and the menorah stood opposite one another, and the mizbeach hazahav was situated in between them. These vessels represent different aspects of avodas Hashem, and by understanding their significance we can improve our avodas Hashem.
We recite in Krias Shema, "Velo sasuru acharei levavchem veacharei einechem, "- do not stray after your hearts and after your eyes. Chazal interpret this pasuk to be referring to two challenges that we encounter. Straying after one's heart means accepting heretical ideas, whereas following one's eyes refers to pursuing prohibited physical pleasures.
These two distinct types of temptation stem from the dual nature of man. Man is a physical being with desires similar to animals', yet man has the ability to think creatively. At the moment of his creation man is referred to as "afar min haadamah"- dust from the earth, like all animals, yet he alone is granted the Divine breath of life, thereby becoming "nefesh chaya"- a thinking and speaking being.
Man can stray from his Creator by misusing either of these gifts whether it be his becoming so involved in the physical world that he pursues only his animalistic drives, or by him misguidedly using the gift of intellect. In the latter case, instead of man using his thought process to understand Divine wisdom, he "intellectually" denies the existence of his Creator.
The shulchan and the menorah represent the two aspects of mans' existence. The shulchan holds bread, symbolic of earthly needs and pursuits. The menora provides light, representative of the intellectual and spiritual side of our existence. As we look at the shlchan and the menora we are reminded of our dual task in this world. We are obligated to elevate our "bread" and all of our material needs. We are also required to use our "light" for the proper purpose.
As we study the shulchan and the menorah and contemplate their inner meaning, we realize the significance of the mizbeach hazahav being situated between them. The mizbeach symbolizes closeness to Hashem, as the word korban stems from the root of the word for closeness, kuf-reish-veis .
We are supposed to be involved in this world but only with the understanding that we enjoy it in a way that brings us closer to Hashem. The "shulchan" can be pursued, but only if it stands next to the mizbeach. Similarly, we are supposed to use our intellectual capabilities to their fullest in order to draw us closer to Hashem. Our "menorah" must be guided by our "mizbeach". We have two unique opportunities during the year to reaffirm our commitment to the shulchan and the menorah. Purim is celebrated around the table with physical enjoyment, whereas chanukah focuses on light and spiritual pursuits. May we learn the lessons of the shulchan and the menorah and be privileged to see the true shulchan and menorah in our days.