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Exodus 28:38 - Kohen bears Israel's sanctity flaws

Exodus 28:38 - שמות 28:38

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה עַל־מֵצַח אַהֲרֹן וְנָשָׂא אַהֲרֹן אֶת־עֲוֺן הַקֳּדָשִׁים אֲשֶׁר יַקְדִּישׁוּ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לְכָל־מַתְּנֹת קָדְשֵׁיהֶם וְהָיָה עַל־מִצְחוֹ תָּמִיד לְרָצוֹן לָהֶם לִפְנֵי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

And it shall be upon Aharon’s forehead, that Aharon may bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Yisra᾽el shall hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.

Transliteration

Vehaya al-metzach Aharon venasa Aharon et-avon hakodashim asher yakdishu bnei Yisrael lekol-matnot kodsheihem vehaya al-mitzcho tamid leratzon lahem lifnei Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָה֮ עַל־מֵ֣צַח אַהֲרֹן֒ וְנָשָׂ֨א אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן הַקֳּדָשִׁ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר יַקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לְכׇֽל־מַתְּנֹ֖ת קׇדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם וְהָיָ֤ה עַל־מִצְחוֹ֙ תָּמִ֔יד לְרָצ֥וֹן לָהֶ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃
וְהָיָה֮ עַל־מֵ֣צַח אַהֲרֹן֒ וְנָשָׂ֨א אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־עֲוֺ֣ן הַקֳּדָשִׁ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר יַקְדִּ֙ישׁוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל לְכׇֽל־מַתְּנֹ֖ת קׇדְשֵׁיהֶ֑ם וְהָיָ֤ה עַל־מִצְחוֹ֙ תָּמִ֔יד לְרָצ֥וֹן לָהֶ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Tzitz and Its Role in Atonement

The verse (Shemot 28:38) describes the tzitz, the golden plate worn on the forehead of Aharon the Kohen Gadol, as bearing the "iniquity of the holy things" (avon hakodashim). Rashi explains that this refers to atonement for improper intentions or deficiencies in the sanctification of korbanot (sacrifices) or other holy offerings brought by Bnei Yisrael. The tzitz served as a spiritual remedy for inadvertent flaws in the sanctification process.

Mechanism of Atonement

Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:7) elaborates that the tzitz atoned specifically for cases where offerings became disqualified due to improper thoughts (pigul) or if they were brought while the offerer or Kohen was in a state of ritual impurity (tumah). The phrase "always upon his forehead" emphasizes that the atonement was constant, as the tzitz was worn during all service in the Mishkan.

Symbolism of the Tzitz

The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) connects the tzitz to the concept of ratzon (divine favor), as the verse concludes "that they may be accepted before Hashem." The placement on the forehead signifies that purity of thought and dedication to Hashem's service are essential for atonement. The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) further notes that the tzitz served as a reminder of Aharon's role as an intermediary seeking mercy for the people.

Practical Implications

  • The tzitz only atoned for kodashim (holy offerings), not for intentional sins (Rambam, ibid.).
  • Its effectiveness depended on the Kohen Gadol wearing it with proper intent (kavanah) for atonement (Sifra, Shemini).
  • The constant presence on the forehead symbolized that spiritual leadership requires unwavering focus on sanctity (Malbim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 19a
The verse is discussed in relation to the High Priest's forehead plate (Tzitz) and its role in atoning for the impurities of the sacrifices.
📖 Arakhin 16a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the atonement provided by the High Priest's garments, particularly the Tzitz on his forehead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the phrase 'bear the iniquity of the holy things' mean in Exodus 28:38?
A: According to Rashi, the 'iniquity of the holy things' refers to unintentional mistakes or imperfections in the offerings brought by the Israelites. The Kohen Gadol (High Priest), wearing the Tzitz (golden forehead plate), would atone for these errors, ensuring the offerings were accepted by Hashem.
Q: Why was the Tzitz (forehead plate) always worn by the Kohen Gadol?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) explains that the Tzitz served as a constant reminder of the sanctity of the offerings and the need for purity in service to Hashem. Its permanent placement on the Kohen Gadol's forehead symbolized his role in securing atonement for the people's holy gifts.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Tzitz in Exodus 28:38 today?
A: The Midrash teaches that the Tzitz represents the importance of sincere intentions in serving Hashem. Even today, we learn that our mitzvot and prayers should be performed with purity of heart, just as the Kohen Gadol bore the responsibility for the people's offerings.
Q: How does the concept of atonement in this verse apply to modern Jewish practice?
A: The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that while we no longer have the Temple service, the principle remains that sincere repentance and proper intentions are essential for atonement. Today, prayer and teshuvah (repentance) serve similar purposes in achieving closeness to Hashem.
Q: What was the significance of the Tzitz being made of gold?
A: Rashi (on Exodus 28:36) notes that gold symbolizes purity and enduring value. The Tzitz's gold reflected the eternal covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people, emphasizing that their service—despite imperfections—was cherished when offered with sincerity.