The Torah talks about the masterfully tailor-made priestly outfit interwoven by means of golden lengths together with multi-color strings.
The primary high priest attire starts with the Cohen's four garments, leading up to the unique vestments of the Cohen HaGadol (the High Priest). The prominent Hoshen centerpiece which has a stunning choice of priceless gems depicted Israel's 12 tribes "in remembrance before G-d."
Every single jewel had been professionally customized as well as custom made by having a tribe's identity. An interactive highlighted Divine feature, the amazing Choshen has come to symbolize the Priesthood.
The T'nach stresses again and again how the Hoshen was securely connected to the Efod suspenders. This specific positive commandment is even further reinforced by way of a negative word of caution to not ever eliminate the Choshen from the Ephod.
At first, this unique commandment was initially purely useful, fit for appropriate wear, in order that the Choshen wouldn't suspend freely (see Sefer Hachinuch).
Consequently, such an connection would most likely only be necessary throughout the formal service when the Cohen was on duty. Nonetheless Rambam, in line with the Talmud (Makos 23a) insists that it appeared to be permanently collateralized, the Choshen wasn't to be removed from the Efod.
Rashi, as well, when interpreting the phrase "Sharheros" as 'firmly rooted' as in 'shoresh' not the same as another equivalent Hebrew root term 'shalsheles' - a chain, which could open up or perhaps shut. In terms of the Choshen (in line with Rashi) it's link was as rooted and unlike a chain which can be taken off.
This Choshen-Ephod juxtaposition appears to produce a redudancy. The Efod already has it's own pair of stones with all the names of the Jewish People's tribes etched onto it, why the duplication with the gems of the Choshen?
This Choshen-Ephod problem relects Hillel's harmony in Pirkei Avot 1:14 - "If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, what am I?"
The tribes had been outlined collectively being a group on the Ephod, while on the Hoshen included all of them individually on independent stones. The Efod Stones could be likened to a Group PHOTO while the Choshen may just be likened to the individual INSETS.
Judaism acknowledges our personality, each and every a treasure in its own right, shining forth with unique glow, talent and style. Concurrently, nonetheless, we must continually tie in with our community and also our common origin and traditions.
The lesson of the Hoshen must be tied in with the Ephod: Both equally various and together - we're One!
Find out more about Choshen at his website about Hoshen.
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