Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Exodus 40:14 mean when it says to clothe Aaron's sons with coats?
A: This verse describes part of the process of consecrating Aaron and his sons as Kohanim (priests) for service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The special linen tunics (כתנות) were one of the four garments worn by regular Kohanim, symbolizing their elevated status and purity for divine service (Rashi on Exodus 28:40, Rambam Hilchos Klei Hamikdash 8:1-2).
Q: Why was clothing important for the Kohanim in the Temple?
A: The Torah teaches that proper garments are essential for Temple service. The Kohanim's special clothing served several purposes: 1) Honoring the sacred service (כבוד עבודה), 2) Marking their unique role, and 3) Creating proper decorum in the Mishkan/Temple (Talmud Zevachim 17b). The Talmud (Yoma 23a) also teaches that the garments atoned for various sins.
Q: What can we learn today from the commandment to dress the Kohanim in special garments?
A: While we don't have the Temple today, we learn important principles: 1) The importance of dressing appropriately for sacred occasions (like prayer or Torah study), 2) That external appearance affects our mindset for holy matters, and 3) That those serving communal religious roles should maintain a dignified appearance (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 98:4 based on this concept).
Q: Were all of Aaron's sons given the same priestly garments?
A: Yes, all of Aaron's sons who became Kohanim received the same four basic garments: 1) Ketonet (tunic), 2) Michnasayim (breeches), 3) Avnet (belt), and 4) Migba'at (turban) - as described in Exodus 28:40-43. Only the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) wore additional special garments (Rashi on Exodus 28:4, Rambam Hilchos Klei Hamikdash 8:1-5).
Q: How were the Kohanim's garments different from regular clothing?
A: The Kohanim's garments were specially made: 1) Only from certain materials (like linen), 2) Woven as a single piece (without separate sleeves), 3) Made to exact Torah specifications, and 4) Only to be worn during Temple service. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) compares these garments to the special coverings of the Torah itself, showing their holiness.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Shemot 29:8) appears in the context of the consecration of Aharon and his sons as Kohanim (priests) during the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The act of clothing them in kutnot (linen tunics) is part of the formal investiture into the priesthood.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the kutnot were one of the four priestly garments required for regular Kohanim (as opposed to the Kohen Gadol, who wore eight). He notes that the clothing symbolizes the dignity and honor of the priestly role, as derived from the principle of "כבוד ותפארת" (dignity and splendor) in service to Hashem.
Symbolism of the Kutonet
Halachic Significance
The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (8:1) that priestly service is invalid if performed without the proper garments. The kutonet, as one of the essential vestments, thus serves not only as a symbol but as a halachic requirement for the Kohen's avodah (service).
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:3) connects the kutnot to the garments Hashem made for Adam and Chava (Bereishit 3:21), suggesting that the priesthood restores a dimension of the primordial holiness lost after the sin in Gan Eden.