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Exodus 28:32 - Priestly robe's protective opening

Exodus 28:32 - שמות 28:32

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה פִי־רֹאשׁוֹ בְּתוֹכוֹ שָׂפָה יִהְיֶה לְפִיו סָבִיב מַעֲשֵׂה אֹרֵג כְּפִי תַחְרָא יִהְיֶה־לּוֹ לֹא יִקָּרֵעַ׃

English Translation

And there shall be a hole for the head, in the midst of it: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole, as it were the hole of a suit of armour, that it be not torn.

Transliteration

Vehaya fi-rosho betocho safa yihiye lefiv saviv ma'aseh oreg kefi tachra yihiye-lo lo yikare'a.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֥ה פִֽי־רֹאשׁ֖וֹ בְּתוֹכ֑וֹ שָׂפָ֡ה יִֽהְיֶה֩ לְפִ֨יו סָבִ֜יב מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֹרֵ֗ג כְּפִ֥י תַחְרָ֛א יִֽהְיֶה־לּ֖וֹ לֹ֥א יִקָּרֵֽעַ׃
וְהָיָ֥ה פִֽי־רֹאשׁ֖וֹ בְּתוֹכ֑וֹ שָׂפָ֡ה יִֽהְיֶה֩ לְפִ֨יו סָבִ֜יב מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֹרֵ֗ג כְּפִ֥י תַחְרָ֛א יִֽהְיֶה־לּ֖וֹ לֹ֥א יִקָּרֵֽעַ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Shemot 28:32) describes the design of the Me'il (robe) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) as part of his sacred garments. The Torah provides precise instructions to ensure the durability and sanctity of these garments, which were essential for the avodah (service) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).

Explanation of the Text

The phrase "וְהָיָה פִי־רֹאשׁוֹ בְּתוֹכוֹ" ("And there shall be a hole for the head, in the midst of it") refers to the opening at the top of the robe through which the Kohen Gadol would place his head. Rashi explains that this opening was reinforced with a woven border ("שָׂפָה יִהְיֶה לְפִיו סָבִיב") to prevent tearing, as the garment was made of fine, delicate material (Rashi on Shemot 28:32).

The Binding and Its Significance

The binding ("מַעֲשֵׂה אֹרֵג" – "woven work") around the neckline is compared to the reinforced opening of a "תַחְרָא" (a coat of mail or armor). The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) notes that this reinforcement symbolizes strength and durability, reflecting the Kohen Gadol's role as a steadfast servant of Hashem. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:4) further emphasizes that the meticulous craftsmanship ensured the garment's sanctity would not be compromised.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Prevention of Damage: The instruction "לֹא יִקָּרֵעַ" ("that it be not torn") teaches the importance of preserving sacred objects, as their holiness must be maintained (Malbim on Shemot 28:32).
  • Symbol of Dignity: The reinforced opening reflects the dignity and honor required in divine service, as the Kohen Gadol's garments were meant to inspire reverence (Sforno on Shemot 28:2).
  • Attention to Detail: The precise specifications highlight the Torah's emphasis on performing mitzvot with care and precision (Midrash Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 10).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Exodus 28:32?
A: Exodus 28:32 describes the design of the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) robe (me'il). The verse explains that the robe had a hole for the head with a reinforced woven border around it, similar to the opening of a coat of armor, to prevent tearing. This detail highlights the importance of durability and respect for the sacred garments worn during service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Q: Why was the hole in the Kohen Gadol's robe reinforced?
A: The reinforcement around the head opening of the Kohen Gadol's robe (as described in Exodus 28:32) was to prevent tearing, ensuring the garment remained intact and dignified. According to Rashi, this reflects the principle of 'kevod Shamayim' (honor of Heaven)—sacred items must be treated with the utmost care and respect, especially those used in divine service.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 28:32 today?
A: From Exodus 28:32, we learn the importance of treating holy objects—and by extension, mitzvot (commandments)—with care and reverence. Just as the Kohen Gadol's robe was designed to avoid damage, we should approach mitzvot with mindfulness and respect. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8) emphasizes that holiness requires attention to detail and proper conduct.
Q: How does Exodus 28:32 relate to the Kohen Gadol's clothing?
A: Exodus 28:32 specifies a practical yet meaningful detail of the Kohen Gadol's me'il (robe): a reinforced opening to prevent tearing. The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) teaches that each element of the priestly garments had spiritual significance, atoning for specific sins. This reinforced border symbolized strength and permanence in divine service.