share torah logo

Exodus 28:8 - Priestly garments' sacred craftsmanship details

Exodus 28:8 - שמות 28:8

Hebrew Text

וְחֵשֶׁב אֲפֻדָּתוֹ אֲשֶׁר עָלָיו כְּמַעֲשֵׂהוּ מִמֶּנּוּ יִהְיֶה זָהָב תְּכֵלֶת וְאַרְגָּמָן וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי וְשֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר׃

English Translation

And the finely wrought girdle of the efod, which is upon it, shall be of the same, according to its work; namely, of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

Transliteration

Ve'kheshev afudato asher alav k'ma'asehu mimenu yihye zahav tekhelet ve'argaman vetola'at shani veshesh mashzar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְחֵ֤שֶׁב אֲפֻדָּתוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלָ֔יו כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ מִמֶּ֣נּוּ יִהְיֶ֑ה זָהָ֗ב תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֥שׁ מׇשְׁזָֽר׃
וְחֵ֤שֶׁב אֲפֻדָּתוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָלָ֔יו כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֖הוּ מִמֶּ֣נּוּ יִהְיֶ֑ה זָהָ֗ב תְּכֵ֧לֶת וְאַרְגָּמָ֛ן וְתוֹלַ֥עַת שָׁנִ֖י וְשֵׁ֥שׁ מׇשְׁזָֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Girdle (חֵשֶׁב) of the Efod

The verse describes the חֵשֶׁב (ḥeshev), the girdle or belt of the Efod, which was an essential part of the Kohen Gadol's priestly garments. According to Rashi (Shemot 28:8), this girdle was intricately woven with the same materials as the Efod itself—gold, blue (techelet), purple (argaman), scarlet (tola'at shani), and fine twined linen (shesh mashzar). The Torah emphasizes that it must be "כְּמַעֲשֵׂהוּ מִמֶּנּוּ" ("according to its work, from it"), meaning it must match the craftsmanship and materials of the Efod.

Symbolism of the Materials

The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:13) explains that each material in the priestly garments carried deep spiritual significance:

  • Gold (זָהָב): Represents majesty and the divine presence, as gold is the most precious metal.
  • Techelet (תְּכֵלֶת): Symbolizes the heavens and divine wisdom, as the color resembles the sea and sky (Menachot 43b).
  • Argaman (אַרְגָּמָן): Signifies royalty and authority, as purple was historically associated with kings.
  • Tola'at Shani (תוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי): Represents atonement and human passion, as red is connected to blood and repentance.
  • Shesh Mashzar (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר): Linen denotes purity, as it is a simple, natural material (Yoma 71b).

The Function of the Girdle

The Talmud (Zevachim 18b) teaches that the חֵשֶׁב served both a practical and symbolic purpose. It secured the Efod to the Kohen Gadol's body, ensuring that the garments remained in place during service. Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) adds that the girdle also represented restraint and discipline, as it "girded" the Kohen’s loins—a metaphor for controlling physical desires in service of Hashem.

Halachic Details

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 9:5, based on Rambam) notes that the חֵשֶׁב was woven with a unique technique, combining threads of all five materials. The Sifrei (Bamidbar 75) emphasizes that the belt was not merely decorative but was an integral part of the priestly garments, without which the Kohen Gadol could not perform the Avodah (Temple service).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is discussed in the context of the priestly garments, particularly the efod and its girdle, emphasizing the materials and craftsmanship as described in the Torah.
📖 Zevachim 88b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sanctity and the proper making of the priestly garments, highlighting the specific materials mentioned in the verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'efod' mentioned in Exodus 28:8?
A: The 'efod' (אֵפוֹד) was a special garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) during service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). According to Rashi, it was like an apron worn over the shoulders, made of fine materials including gold, blue, purple, scarlet wool, and linen. It was an essential part of the priestly garments.
Q: Why were specific colors like blue, purple, and scarlet used for the efod's girdle?
A: The colors—blue (תְּכֵלֶת), purple (אַרְגָּמָן), and scarlet (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי)—were chosen because they represent royalty, holiness, and divine service. The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that the blue dye (tekhelet) reminds us of the sea, which reflects the sky, and ultimately points to the Divine Presence. These colors were used exclusively for sacred purposes.
Q: What is the significance of the girdle (חֵשֶׁב) in Exodus 28:8?
A: The girdle (חֵשֶׁב) was a belt-like part of the efod that held the priestly garments together. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:18) explains that it symbolized the Kohen Gadol's readiness for service, as a belt signifies preparation for work. It also served as a reminder of humility, as it was tied around the waist.
Q: How does Exodus 28:8 apply to us today if we don’t have the Mishkan or Kohen Gadol?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan or the Kohen Gadol, the verse teaches us about the importance of holiness in our daily lives. Just as the Kohen Gadol's garments were made with care and sacred intent, we should approach mitzvot (commandments) with beauty and reverence. The Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 10) also connects these materials to ethical lessons, such as avoiding arrogance (symbolized by gold) and pursuing humility (symbolized by linen).
Q: Why was gold included in the efod's materials if it was a garment?
A: Gold was woven into the fabric to symbolize the splendor and sanctity of the Kohen Gadol’s service. Rashi (on Exodus 28:6) explains that the gold threads were spun together with the other materials to create a durable and majestic garment. This reflects the idea that serving Hashem should be done with both beauty and strength.