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Exodus 28:12 - Shoulder stones remember Israel?

Hebrew Text

וְשַׂמְתָּ אֶת־שְׁתֵּי הָאֲבָנִים עַל כִּתְפֹת הָאֵפֹד אַבְנֵי זִכָּרֹן לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְנָשָׂא אַהֲרֹן אֶת־שְׁמוֹתָם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה עַל־שְׁתֵּי כְתֵפָיו לְזִכָּרֹן׃

English Translation

And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the efod for stones of memorial to the children of Yisra᾽el: and Aharon shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial.

Transliteration

Vesamta et-shtei ha'avanim al kitfot ha'efod avnei zikaron livnei Yisrael venasa Aharon et-shemotam lifnei Adonai al-shtei kteifav lezikaron.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְשַׂמְתָּ֞ אֶת־שְׁתֵּ֣י הָאֲבָנִ֗ים עַ֚ל כִּתְפֹ֣ת הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד אַבְנֵ֥י זִכָּרֹ֖ן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְנָשָׂא֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת־שְׁמוֹתָ֜ם לִפְנֵ֧י יְהֹוָ֛ה עַל־שְׁתֵּ֥י כְתֵפָ֖יו לְזִכָּרֹֽן׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
וְשַׂמְתָּ֞ אֶת־שְׁתֵּ֣י הָאֲבָנִ֗ים עַ֚ל כִּתְפֹ֣ת הָֽאֵפֹ֔ד אַבְנֵ֥י זִכָּרֹ֖ן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְנָשָׂא֩ אַהֲרֹ֨ן אֶת־שְׁמוֹתָ֜ם לִפְנֵ֧י יְהֹוָ֛ה עַל־שְׁתֵּ֥י כְתֵפָ֖יו לְזִכָּרֹֽן׃ {ס}        

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Parasha Commentary

The Stones of Memorial on the Efod

The verse (Shemot 28:12) describes the placement of two stones—the avnei zikaron (stones of memorial)—on the shoulder straps of the efod, the high priest's garment. According to Rashi, these stones bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, six names on each stone, engraved like a signet ring. The purpose was that Aharon, as Kohen Gadol, would carry the names of Bnei Yisrael before Hashem as a zikaron (remembrance).

Symbolism of the Shoulders

The Ramban explains that the shoulders represent strength and bearing responsibility. By placing the stones on Aharon's shoulders, it signifies that the Kohen Gadol carries the spiritual weight of Klal Yisrael, interceding on their behalf. The Talmud (Yoma 73b) further connects this to the concept of zechut avot (merit of the forefathers), as the names of the tribes invoke the legacy of the patriarchs.

The Function of Zikaron (Remembrance)

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8) teaches that these stones served as a constant reminder before Hashem of the righteousness of Bnei Yisrael. The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this was not merely passive remembrance but an active spiritual mechanism—Aharon’s service while wearing the efod would awaken divine mercy for the nation.

Practical Implications in Avodat HaKodesh

  • Unity of the Tribes: The stones unified all tribes equally, as the names were equally distributed (Rashi).
  • Aharon’s Role: The Sforno notes that the Kohen Gadol serves as a bridge between the people and Hashem, and the stones reinforced this role.
  • Divine Favor: The Or HaChaim explains that the zikaron ensured that the prayers and offerings of Israel would be accepted favorably.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 36a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly garments, specifically the efod and the stones of memorial, highlighting their significance in representing the tribes of Israel before God.
📖 Yoma 73b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the high priest's garments and their role in atonement, emphasizing the importance of the stones on the efod as a memorial for the children of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the two stones mentioned in Exodus 28:12?
A: The two stones (avnei zikaron) were precious stones placed on the shoulders of the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) efod (apron). According to Rashi, these stones served as a remembrance (zikaron) for the tribes of Israel before Hashem, with each stone engraved with the names of six tribes.
Q: Why did Aharon (Aaron) carry the names of the tribes on his shoulders?
A: Aharon carried the names of the tribes on his shoulders as a symbolic act of bearing the responsibility and representing Bnei Yisrael (the children of Israel) before Hashem. The Talmud (Sotah 36a) explains that this demonstrated the Kohen Gadol's role as an intercessor for the people.
Q: What is the significance of the 'stones of memorial' in this verse?
A: The 'stones of memorial' (avnei zikaron) emphasize that Hashem constantly remembers His covenant with the Jewish people. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8) teaches that these stones served as a reminder of the merits of the tribes, ensuring divine favor and protection.
Q: How does the concept of 'bearing names before Hashem' apply today?
A: While we no longer have the Kohen Gadol or the efod, the principle remains that leaders and individuals should carry the spiritual needs of the Jewish people in their hearts. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:9) explains that this teaches the importance of unity and collective responsibility in serving Hashem.
Q: What was the purpose of the efod in the Kohen Gadol's garments?
A: The efod was a special apron-like garment worn by the Kohen Gadol during service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi (on Exodus 28:4) explains that it, along with the stones, symbolized atonement and connection between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. The Zohar adds that it represented divine guidance and spiritual elevation.