Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'efod' mentioned in Exodus 28:25?
A: The 'efod' was a special garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) during service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). According to Rashi, it was an apron-like vest made of fine linen and colorful threads, with shoulder straps that held the Choshen (breastplate).
Q: Why were the chains attached to the efod's shoulderpieces?
A: The chains connected the Choshen (breastplate) to the efod, as explained in the Talmud (Yoma 72a). This ensured the Choshen would stay securely in place over the Kohen Gadol's heart, as commanded in Exodus 28:29-30, where it held the Urim v'Tumim used for divine communication.
Q: What do the 'two wreathen chains' symbolize?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:9) teaches that the two chains represent the two tablets of the Ten Commandments. Just as the chains connected the Choshen to the efod, the Torah connects the Jewish people to Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei Hamikdash 9:7) also emphasizes their functional role in the priestly garments.
Q: How does this verse relate to the Kohen Gadol's service?
A: This detail was part of the precise instructions for making the Bigdei Kehunah (priestly garments), which the Torah states were necessary 'for honor and for beauty' (Exodus 28:2). The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) explains that these garments atoned for various sins - the efod specifically atoned for idolatry.
Q: Can we derive any lessons from this verse today?
A: Though we lack the Temple today, the Sefer Hachinuch (Mitzvah 99) derives from this that serving Hashem requires preparation and attention to detail. Just as the Kohen Gadol's garments had to be perfectly arranged, our mitzvot should be performed with care and beauty. The chains also remind us of our unbroken connection to Torah.
Explanation of the Verse
The verse (Shemot 28:25) describes the attachment of the golden chains (ha'avotot) to the Choshen Mishpat (Breastplate of Judgment) and the Efod (priestly apron) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). This detail is part of the intricate design of the priestly garments, which were essential for the avodah (service) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple).
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (on Shemot 28:25) explains that the two ends of the wreathen chains (ha'avotot) were to be fastened to the two golden settings (ha'mishbetzot) on the Choshen, while the other ends were to be placed on the shoulder straps (kitfot ha'Efod) of the Efod. The chains served to securely connect the Choshen to the Efod, ensuring that the breastplate would remain in place during the Kohen Gadol's service.
Rambam's Explanation
In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (9:7), the Rambam elaborates that the Choshen was suspended from the Efod by these golden chains, which were looped through rings on the Choshen and attached to the shoulder straps. This design ensured that the Choshen would rest securely over the Kohen Gadol's heart, as commanded in Shemot 28:29.
Symbolism of the Chains
Midrashic Insight
The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the golden chains allude to the chains of Torah study and mitzvot, which bind the Jewish people to Hashem. Just as the Choshen was fastened securely to the Efod, so too must the Jewish people remain steadfast in their commitment to Torah and divine service.