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Exodus 28:7 - Kohen's garment connects unity

Exodus 28:7 - שמות 28:7

Hebrew Text

שְׁתֵּי כְתֵפֹת חֹבְרֹת יִהְיֶה־לּוֹ אֶל־שְׁנֵי קְצוֹתָיו וְחֻבָּר׃

English Translation

It shall have its two shoulderpieces joined at its two edges; and so it shall be joined together.

Transliteration

Shtei kteipot chovrot yihyeh-lo el-shnei ktzotav vechubar.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׁתֵּ֧י כְתֵפֹ֣ת חֹֽבְרֹ֗ת יִֽהְיֶה־לּ֛וֹ אֶל־שְׁנֵ֥י קְצוֹתָ֖יו וְחֻבָּֽר׃
שְׁתֵּ֧י כְתֵפֹ֣ת חֹֽבְרֹ֗ת יִֽהְיֶה־לּ֛וֹ אֶל־שְׁנֵ֥י קְצוֹתָ֖יו וְחֻבָּֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Shemot / Exodus 28:7) describes the construction of the Ephod, a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) during his service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Ephod was a richly decorated apron-like vestment, and this verse specifies how its shoulderpieces were to be joined together.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "שְׁתֵּי כְתֵפֹת חֹבְרֹת" ("two shoulderpieces joined") refers to the two straps of the Ephod that rested on the Kohen Gadol's shoulders. These straps were not separate pieces but were woven as one with the back of the Ephod, ensuring they would not come apart. Rashi emphasizes that the Torah uses the term "וְחֻבָּר" ("and it shall be joined") to indicate that the entire Ephod must be a unified, seamless garment.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (Laws of Temple Vessels 9:9), the Rambam (Maimonides) elaborates on the construction of the Ephod, stating that the two shoulderpieces were to be firmly attached at the top edges of the Ephod and connected at the back. This design ensured that the Ephod would remain secure while the Kohen Gadol performed his duties.

Symbolism in Midrashic Sources

  • The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the two shoulderpieces symbolize the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, which were carried, as it were, on the shoulders of the Jewish people. The unity of the straps reflects the unity of Torah and its commandments.
  • The Zohar (Terumah 184a) associates the joined shoulderpieces with the concept of achdut (unity) among the Jewish people, suggesting that the Kohen Gadol, through his service, brings together the spiritual and physical realms.

Halachic Implications

The Mishneh LaMelech (commentary on Rambam) notes that the precise joining of the shoulderpieces was essential for the Ephod to be kosher for use in the Mishkan. Any disconnection or improper stitching would invalidate the garment, underscoring the importance of meticulous craftsmanship in the service of Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the shoulderpieces being joined in Exodus 28:7?
A: According to Rashi, the two shoulderpieces of the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) ephod (a special garment) must be joined together at the edges to symbolize unity and the connection between different aspects of divine service. This teaches us the importance of harmony in serving Hashem.
Q: Why does the Torah specify how the ephod's shoulderpieces should be connected?
A: The Rambam explains in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash that the precise details of the ephod's construction, including the joined shoulderpieces, reflect the sanctity and importance of the priestly garments. Every detail carries spiritual meaning in avodat Hashem (service of G-d).
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Exodus 28:7 about clothing?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) derives from this verse that just as the Kohen's garments had spiritual significance, our clothing should reflect dignity and purpose. The joining of the shoulderpieces reminds us that even mundane items like clothing can have holiness when used properly.
Q: How does Exodus 28:7 relate to the concept of unity in Judaism?
A: The Midrash Tanchuma teaches that the joined shoulderpieces represent the unity of the Jewish people. Just as the two parts must connect to form one complete garment, Jews must work together to fulfill our collective mission in serving Hashem.
Q: What was actually attached to these shoulderpieces in the Kohen Gadol's garments?
A: Rashi on Exodus 28:12 explains that the shoulderpieces held the choshen (breastplate) with its twelve stones representing the tribes of Israel. This shows how the Kohen Gadol literally carried the Jewish people on his shoulders when serving in the Mishkan.