The Message of the Eternal Flame
When God instructs the Children of Israel to make the menorah, He tells them to gather oil “for kindling lamps regularly” (Exodus 27:20). Rashi explains that the light was to be lit all night, every night, though not necessarily during the day. The lights...
Why Was Aaron Chosen to be the High Priest?
When Aaron and his sons were anointed in order to begin serving in the Tabernacle, it transformed their descendants for all time, establishing them as Kohanim (priests) and the only people to perform the Temple service. It should be noted that initially, the...
The Incense Altar: Linking the Physical and the Spiritual
After instructing the Children of Israel about the priestly garments, God then describes the golden altar for offering incense. Similar to the Ark of the Covenant, the altar for the incense was made of acacia wood covered in gold. Rings were set in its corners and...
The Mystical Powers of the High Priest’s Head-Plate
The Torah mandates eight garments for the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Among them is the golden head-plate, or the tzitz (צִיץ), which was engraved with the words kodesh laHashem (קֹדֶשׁ לַיהֹוָה), ‘Holy to God.’ The word tzitz means ‘to blossom,’ or ‘a flower,’ and is...
The Enigmatic Breastplate
Perhaps the most enigmatic element of the clothing of the High Priest was the breastplate, known in Hebrew as the choshen, which was attached to the ephod, or apron, of the High Priest. Made of cloth (wool dyed blue, purple, and crimson) that was woven with linen and...Related Content
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Why Was Aaron Chosen to be the High Priest?
The Mystical Powers of the High Priest's Head-Plate
