Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the stones in the fourth row of the Kohen Gadol's breastplate?
A: The stones in the fourth row of the Kohen Gadol's breastplate (Tarshish, Shoham, and Yashfeh) each represented one of the tribes of Israel. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sotah 36a), the breastplate served as a means of divine communication, with the stones lighting up to indicate Hashem's will. Each stone was inscribed with the name of a tribe, symbolizing their unity and connection to the service in the Mishkan.
Q: Why were the stones set in gold on the breastplate?
A: The Torah states that the stones were to be 'enclosed in settings of gold' (Exodus 28:20) to signify their holiness and importance. The Rambam explains in Hilchos Klei HaMikdash that gold, being a precious metal, was used to honor the sacred role of the breastplate (Choshen Mishpat) in the Kohen Gadol's service. The gold settings also ensured the stones remained securely in place during the avodah (service).
Q: What do the stones Tarshish, Shoham, and Yashfeh represent?
A: Traditional Jewish sources identify these stones with specific attributes. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 2:7) connects each stone to the unique qualities of the tribes they represent. Tarshish (often identified as chrysolite) symbolizes clarity, Shoham (onyx) represents strength, and Yashfeh (jade or jasper) is associated with healing. Together, they reflect the diverse yet unified nature of the Jewish people.
Q: How does the breastplate's design apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the breastplate, the Talmud (Berachos 55a) teaches that the stones remind us of the importance of unity among the Jewish people, each tribe (and today, each individual) contributing uniquely to the whole. The gold settings also symbolize how our mitzvos must be performed with beauty and care, as the Mishnah (Avos 2:12) states: 'All your deeds should be for the sake of Heaven.'
Verse Context
This verse (Shemot 28:20) describes the fourth row of stones on the Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The stones mentioned are tarshish (emerald), shoham (onyx), and yashfeh (jade), each set in gold settings.
Interpretation of the Stones
Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning
The Choshen Mishpat served as a means of Divine communication (see Shemot 28:30), and each stone corresponded to one of the twelve tribes. The Zohar (Terumah 169a) teaches that these stones reflected the spiritual qualities of the tribes and their connection to the Divine presence. The gold settings (mishbetzot zahav) signify the unity of the tribes, bound together in holiness.
Halachic Significance
The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) details the precise arrangement of the stones, emphasizing that each stone was engraved with the name of its corresponding tribe. The Choshen was not merely decorative but functioned as an essential tool for seeking Divine guidance (through the Urim v'Tumim).