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Exodus 28:26 - Golden rings connect breastplate's holiness

Exodus 28:26 - שמות 28:26

Hebrew Text

וְעָשִׂיתָ שְׁתֵּי טַבְּעוֹת זָהָב וְשַׂמְתָּ אֹתָם עַל־שְׁנֵי קְצוֹת הַחֹשֶׁן עַל־שְׂפָתוֹ אֲשֶׁר אֶל־עֵבֶר הָאֵפֹד בָּיְתָה׃

English Translation

And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the breastplate in its border, which is on the side of the efod inward.

Transliteration

Ve'asita shtei tabe'ot zahav vesamta otam al-shnei ktzot hachoshen al-sfato asher el-ever ha'efod baita.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ שְׁתֵּי֙ טַבְּע֣וֹת זָהָ֔ב וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֔ם עַל־שְׁנֵ֖י קְצ֣וֹת הַחֹ֑שֶׁן עַל־שְׂפָת֕וֹ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֶל־עֵ֥בֶר הָאֵפֹ֖ד<sup class="footnote-marker">*</sup><i class="footnote">(בספרי ספרד ואשכנז הָאֵפ֖וֹד)</i> בָּֽיְתָה׃
וְעָשִׂ֗יתָ שְׁתֵּי֙ טַבְּע֣וֹת זָהָ֔ב וְשַׂמְתָּ֣ אֹתָ֔ם עַל־שְׁנֵ֖י קְצ֣וֹת הַחֹ֑שֶׁן עַל־שְׂפָת֕וֹ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֶל־עֵ֥בֶר הָאֵפֹ֖ד*(בספרי ספרד ואשכנז הָאֵפ֖וֹד) בָּֽיְתָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Golden Rings on the Choshen

The verse (Shemot 28:26) commands the crafting of two golden rings to be placed on the two ends of the Choshen (breastplate), specifically on its inner border facing the Efod. Rashi explains that these rings served a functional purpose: they were used to attach the Choshen to the Efod via golden chains, ensuring the breastplate remained securely in place over the Kohen Gadol's heart (Rashi on Shemot 28:26).

Symbolism of the Rings

The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the golden rings symbolize the unbroken connection between the Jewish people and the Torah. Just as the rings fastened the Choshen—which contained the Urim v'Tumim and represented divine communication—to the Efod, so too must the Jewish people remain bound to the wisdom and guidance of the Torah.

Placement and Precision

Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) emphasizes the meticulous placement of these rings on the Choshen. Their positioning "on the side of the Efod inward" ensured that the breastplate would lie flat against the Kohen Gadol's chest, reflecting the idea that divine wisdom (represented by the Choshen) must be internalized and close to one's heart.

Lessons from the Construction

  • Unity: The two rings parallel the two tablets of the Luchos, reminding us of the unity between mitzvos between man and Hashem and mitzvos between man and his fellow (Talmud Yerushalmi, Shekalim 6:1).
  • Stability: The rings' secure attachment teaches that Torah values must be firmly anchored in one's life, not subject to shifting societal trends (Malbim on Shemot 28:26).
  • Hidden Connection: The inward-facing rings suggest that the deepest bonds—between Klal Yisrael, the Torah, and Hashem—are not always visible but are foundational (Kli Yakar on Shemot 28:26).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is discussed in the context of the High Priest's garments, particularly the breastplate (Choshen) and its connection to the efod.
📖 Zevachim 19a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper construction and placement of the priestly garments, emphasizing the details of the breastplate's rings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'breastplate' mentioned in Exodus 28:26?
A: The breastplate (חֹשֶׁן - 'choshen') was a special garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). It contained 12 precious stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel (Shemot Rabbah 38:9). The rings mentioned in this verse helped attach it to the efod (another priestly garment).
Q: Why were the rings made of gold in Exodus 28:26?
A: Gold symbolizes purity and importance in Jewish tradition (Rashi on Shemot 25:11). Since the breastplate was a sacred object used for divine service, its attachments had to be made from the finest materials. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that all Temple vessels connected to holy service required exceptional craftsmanship and materials.
Q: What is the significance of the rings being placed on the 'inward side' of the breastplate?
A: Rashi explains that these rings connected the breastplate to the efod in a way that kept it securely in place against the Kohen Gadol's heart (Rashi on Shemot 28:26). This teaches us that the representation of the tribes (through the breastplate) should be 'close to the heart' of the spiritual leader at all times.
Q: How does Exodus 28:26 relate to Judaism today?
A: While we no longer have the breastplate, the verse teaches important principles: 1) The care taken in preparing sacred objects (hiddur mitzvah), 2) How leaders must carry the concerns of the community close to their hearts (like the breastplate over the heart), and 3) That details matter in divine service (Talmud Zevachim 88b discusses how each detail of priestly garments had significance).
Q: Why does the Torah give such detailed instructions about the priestly garments?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 5) explains that every detail of the priestly garments had spiritual significance and atoned for different aspects of the Jewish people. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:45) adds that the splendor of these garments helped inspire awe and respect for the divine service. The precise instructions teach us that serving Hashem requires attention to both major principles and fine details.