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Exodus 28:29 - Kohen's heart carries Israel.

Exodus 28:29 - שמות 28:29

Hebrew Text

וְנָשָׂא אַהֲרֹן אֶת־שְׁמוֹת בְּנֵי־יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּחֹשֶׁן הַמִּשְׁפָּט עַל־לִבּוֹ בְּבֹאוֹ אֶל־הַקֹּדֶשׁ לְזִכָּרֹן לִפְנֵי־יְהוָה תָּמִיד׃

English Translation

And Aharon shall bear the names of the children of Yisra᾽el on the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually.

Transliteration

Ve'nasa Aharon et-shemot bnei-Yisrael b'choshen hamishpat al-libo b'vo'o el-hakodesh l'zikaron lifnei-Adonai tamid.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְנָשָׂ֣א אַ֠הֲרֹ֠ן אֶת־שְׁמ֨וֹת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל בְּחֹ֧שֶׁן הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט עַל־לִבּ֖וֹ בְּבֹא֣וֹ אֶל־הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ לְזִכָּרֹ֥ן לִפְנֵֽי־יְהֹוָ֖ה תָּמִֽיד׃
וְנָשָׂ֣א אַ֠הֲרֹ֠ן אֶת־שְׁמ֨וֹת בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל בְּחֹ֧שֶׁן הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט עַל־לִבּ֖וֹ בְּבֹא֣וֹ אֶל־הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ לְזִכָּרֹ֥ן לִפְנֵֽי־יְהֹוָ֖ה תָּמִֽיד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Role of the Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment)

The verse describes Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) carrying the names of the tribes of Yisrael on the Choshen Mishpat when entering the Holy Sanctuary. Rashi (Shemos 28:29) explains that this serves as a constant zikaron (remembrance) before Hashem, ensuring that He recalls the merits of Bnei Yisrael favorably. The placement "al libo" (upon his heart) signifies that the Kohen Gadol must carry the concerns of the nation with deep compassion, as the heart is the seat of emotion and care.

The Twelve Tribes and Their Representation

According to the Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:9), each of the twelve stones on the Choshen was engraved with the name of a tribe, symbolizing their unity before Hashem. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:9) teaches that the stones also reflected the unique spiritual qualities of each tribe, and their collective presence on the breastplate served as a reminder of the covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael.

The Eternal Remembrance Before Hashem

The phrase "l’zikaron lifnei Hashem tamid" (for a memorial before the Lord continually) emphasizes that the Choshen was not merely a ceremonial object but an active conduit for divine mercy. The Talmud (Yoma 73a) states that the Choshen was used for seeking divine guidance (Urim v’Tumim), showing that the names of the tribes were integral to the Kohen Gadol’s role as an intermediary for the people.

Symbolism of the Heart

The placement of the Choshen on the Kohen Gadol’s heart carries deeper meaning. The Kli Yakar (Shemos 28:29) explains that the heart represents both intellect and emotion—Aharon was to serve with wisdom and love, bearing the spiritual and physical needs of Bnei Yisrael. This aligns with the teaching in Pirkei Avos (1:12) that one should be among the disciples of Aharon, "loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and bringing them closer to Torah."

  • Rashi: The Choshen ensures Hashem’s favorable remembrance of Yisrael.
  • Rambam: The stones represent the unity and individuality of the tribes.
  • Talmud: The Choshen facilitates divine communication.
  • Kli Yakar: The heart symbolizes Aharon’s dual role of wisdom and compassion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is discussed in the context of the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen Mishpat) and its significance during the Yom Kippur service.
📖 Zevachim 88b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the garments of the High Priest and their role in atonement.
📖 Arachin 16a
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the importance of the breastplate as a memorial before God.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the breastplate (choshen) that Aharon wore?
A: The breastplate (choshen) was one of the special garments worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). According to Rashi (Exodus 28:15), it was called the 'breastplate of judgment' because it atoned for errors in judgment. It contained twelve precious stones, each engraved with the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing Aharon's role in representing the entire nation before Hashem.
Q: Why did Aharon carry the names of the tribes on his heart?
A: The verse states that Aharon bore the names of the tribes 'upon his heart' to emphasize his love and concern for all of Israel. The Ramban (Exodus 28:29) explains that this was a constant reminder for the Kohen Gadol to pray for the people and seek their welfare, especially when performing service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: What does 'for a memorial before Hashem continually' mean?
A: The phrase teaches that the names of the tribes were always before Hashem as a remembrance. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 5) explains that this ensured that the Jewish people would always be in Hashem's favor, and their needs would be remembered, especially when the Kohen Gadol entered the Holy Place to serve.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: Although we no longer have the Kohen Gadol or the breastplate, the lesson remains relevant. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) teaches that Torah scholars must carry the concerns of the Jewish people in their hearts, just as Aharon did. Leaders and individuals alike should remember their responsibility to pray for and support the Jewish community.
Q: What was the significance of the twelve stones on the breastplate?
A: Each stone represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as explained by Rashi (Exodus 28:17-21). The Talmud (Sotah 36a) also teaches that the breastplate had miraculous properties—when the nation needed divine guidance, the letters on the stones would light up to provide answers through the Urim v'Tumim, a sacred device housed within the breastplate.