Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'robe of the efod' mentioned in Exodus 39:22?
A: The 'robe of the efod' (מְעִיל הָאֵפֹד) was a special garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, it was a sleeveless, blue woolen tunic worn underneath the efod (a type of apron). It had an opening for the head and was entirely woven from techelet (a special blue dye).
Q: Why was the robe of the efod made entirely of blue (techelet)?
A: The color techelet (תְּכֵלֶת) symbolizes holiness and connection to the divine. The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that techelet resembles the sea, which resembles the sky, which resembles the Divine Throne. Rambam explains that the entirely blue robe served as a reminder of heavenly purity and the Kohen Gadol's role in serving Hashem.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the robe of the efod being woven as one piece?
A: The fact that the robe was woven entirely as one piece (כְּלִיל) teaches the importance of unity and wholeness in serving Hashem. The Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 10) notes that just as the robe had no seams, our devotion to mitzvot should be complete and without division. This applies today by reminding us to serve Hashem with a full heart.
Q: How does the robe of the efod connect to the Kohen Gadol's role?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) explains that each of the Kohen Gadol's garments atoned for different sins. The robe atoned for lashon hara (evil speech), as the Torah says (Exodus 28:35) that its bells would sound when he entered the Holy Place. The blue color also reminded the people to elevate their speech and thoughts to holiness.
Q: Is there significance to the robe being made of woven work (מַעֲשֵׂה אֹרֵג)?
A: Yes, Rashi explains that the term 'woven work' means it was crafted with exceptional skill on a loom, not sewn together from pieces. The Ramban adds that this reflects the care and precision required in divine service. Today, this teaches us that mitzvot should be performed with the utmost attention to detail and beauty.
The Robe of the Efod
The verse describes the creation of the me'il ha'efod (robe of the efod), a garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) as part of his sacred vestments. According to Rashi (Shemot 28:31), this robe was entirely made of techeilet (blue wool), symbolizing the heavens and the divine presence. The phrase "ma'aseh oreg" (woven work) indicates that it was crafted with intricate skill, as befitting the sacred service.
Symbolism of Techeilet
The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:19) explains that the color techeilet represents the divine throne, as it resembles the sea and the sky, which in turn reflect the heavenly realm. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 4:13) further elaborates that techeilet serves as a reminder of the mitzvot, as the blue dye was derived from the chilazon, a creature whose rarity and extraction process symbolize the uniqueness of Torah commandments.
Construction and Purpose
The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) teaches that the robe was seamless, woven entirely in one piece, signifying unity and wholeness in divine service. Its design included pomegranates and golden bells at its hem (as detailed in later verses), which served both a practical and spiritual purpose:
Spiritual Significance
The Kli Yakar (Shemot 28:31) notes that the all-blue garment served as a constant reminder of the Kohen Gadol's role as an intermediary between the Jewish people and Hashem. Just as the sky bridges the earthly and heavenly realms, the me'il techeilet signified the Kohen Gadol's duty to elevate the nation spiritually through his service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).