Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the stones in the third row of the Kohen Gadol's breastplate?
A: The third row of the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) breastplate contained three stones: leshem (ligure), shevo (agate), and achlamah (jasper). These stones corresponded to specific tribes of Israel, as explained in Talmud Yoma 73b and Rashi's commentary on Exodus 28:19.
Q: Why were these specific stones chosen for the breastplate?
A: According to Jewish tradition, each stone on the breastplate represented one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) teaches that each stone had unique qualities reflecting the character of its corresponding tribe. The stones also served as part of the Urim v'Tumim, through which divine messages were received.
Q: What is the significance of the breastplate's stones today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service today, the stones remind us of the unity of the Jewish people, with each tribe contributing its unique qualities. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that the breastplate served as a remembrance before Hashem, teaching us the importance of representing all Jews in our prayers and concerns.
Q: How do we know which tribes corresponded to these stones?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 73b) and Rashi on Exodus 28:19 provide the order of the stones and their corresponding tribes. The third row's stones represented the tribes of Dan (leshem), Naftali (shevo), and Gad (achlamah). This ordering follows the sequence of the tribes' birth and their encampment around the Mishkan.
Q: What do these stones teach us about the Kohen Gadol's role?
A: The breastplate stones, as explained in the Talmud (Sotah 36a), demonstrate how the Kohen Gadol carried the concerns of all tribes close to his heart. The variety of stones teaches that leadership must appreciate and represent the diversity within the Jewish people, as each tribe had its unique role in serving Hashem.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Shemot 28:19) describes the third row of precious stones on the Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Each stone corresponded to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, as detailed in Shemot 28:17-21. The third row includes leshem, shevo, and achlamah, which are traditionally identified as ligure (or opal), agate, and jasper, respectively.
Interpretation of the Stones
Symbolism of the Third Row
The arrangement of the stones on the Choshen was not arbitrary. The third row, according to the Ramban (Shemot 28:19), represents the spiritual attributes of the tribes it symbolizes—Dan's judgment, Naftali's grace, and Gad's resilience. Together, they reflect the balance of divine justice and mercy in the world.
Mystical Significance
The Sefer HaTemunah (a kabbalistic work) teaches that each stone on the Choshen channeled divine light in a unique way. The leshem, shevo, and achlamah were conduits for divine wisdom (chochmah), understanding (binah), and knowledge (da'at), respectively, aligning with the Kabbalistic sefirot.