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Exodus 35:19 - Priestly garments' sacred purpose?

Exodus 35:19 - שמות 35:19

Hebrew Text

אֶת־בִּגְדֵי הַשְּׂרָד לְשָׁרֵת בַּקֹּדֶשׁ אֶת־בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ לְאַהֲרֹן הַכֹּהֵן וְאֶת־בִּגְדֵי בָנָיו לְכַהֵן׃

English Translation

the uniforms, to do service in the holy place, the holy garments for Aharon the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office.

Transliteration

Et-bigdei hasrad leshareit bakodesh et-bigdei hakodesh le'Aharon hakohen ve'et-bigdei vanav lechahen.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֥י הַשְּׂרָ֖ד לְשָׁרֵ֣ת בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֤י הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙ לְאַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְאֶת־בִּגְדֵ֥י בָנָ֖יו לְכַהֵֽן׃
אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֥י הַשְּׂרָ֖ד לְשָׁרֵ֣ת בַּקֹּ֑דֶשׁ אֶת־בִּגְדֵ֤י הַקֹּ֙דֶשׁ֙ לְאַהֲרֹ֣ן הַכֹּהֵ֔ן וְאֶת־בִּגְדֵ֥י בָנָ֖יו לְכַהֵֽן׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Significance of the Priestly Garments

The verse (Shemot 31:10) describes the special garments designated for the Kohanim—both Aharon the Kohen Gadol and his sons—to serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). These garments are referred to as בִּגְדֵי הַשְּׂרָד (uniforms for service) and בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ (holy garments), emphasizing their sanctity and purpose in the Avodah (Divine service).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (on Shemot 31:10) clarifies that בִּגְדֵי הַשְּׂרָד refers to the garments worn during regular service in the Mishkan, while בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ specifically denotes the unique vestments of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), which include the Choshen (breastplate), Ephod (apron), Me’il (robe), and Tzitz (headplate). These garments elevate the Kohen Gadol’s status and enable him to perform his sacred duties.

The Purpose of the Garments

The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8:1-2) explains that the priestly garments serve two primary functions:

  • Kavod (Honor) and Tiferet (Glory): The garments bestow dignity upon the Kohanim, reflecting the honor due to those who serve in the Mishkan.
  • Essential for Service: A Kohen who performs the Avodah without wearing the proper garments invalidates the service, as the garments are an intrinsic part of the ritual.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8) teaches that the priestly garments atone for specific sins of Bnei Yisrael, paralleling the sacrifices brought in the Mishkan. For example:

  • The Ketonet (tunic) atones for bloodshed.
  • The Michnasayim (breeches) atone for immorality.
  • The Avnet (sash) atones for improper thoughts.

Distinction Between Aharon and His Sons

The verse distinguishes between Aharon’s garments and those of his sons, as the Kohen Gadol’s attire includes additional components (e.g., the Choshen and Ephod) not worn by regular Kohanim. The Talmud (Zevachim 17b) states that the absence of even one garment disqualifies the service, underscoring the precision required in fulfilling this mitzvah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'bigdei serad' mentioned in Exodus 35:19?
A: The 'bigdei serad' (uniforms) refer to the special garments worn by the Levites when performing service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains that these were simpler garments compared to the elaborate priestly vestments of the Kohanim (priests), but still had to be treated with holiness since they were used for sacred service.
Q: Why did Aharon and his sons need special garments?
A: The Torah teaches that Aharon and his sons needed special 'bigdei kodesh' (holy garments) to serve as Kohanim (priests). The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 8) explains that these garments brought honor and splendor to the divine service, and wearing them was an essential part of properly performing the Temple service.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the priestly garments today?
A: The Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 11) teaches that just as the Kohanim had special garments for their holy service, we should have special clothes for prayer and Torah study to show respect for mitzvos. Many have the custom to wear dignified clothing when praying or learning Torah, following this principle.
Q: Were the Levites' garments different from the priests' garments?
A: Yes, as Rashi explains on this verse, the Levites had simpler 'bigdei serad' for their service, while the Kohanim had more elaborate 'bigdei kehuna' (priestly vestments) described in detail in Parshat Tetzaveh (Exodus 28). The Kohanim's garments included special items like the Choshen (breastplate) and Ephod.
Q: Do these garments have any significance today without the Temple?
A: While we don't have the actual priestly garments today, the Talmud (Zevachim 88b) teaches that the garments atoned for various sins - teaching us that how we dress can impact our spiritual state. Many Jews wear a special tallit and proper clothing for prayer, maintaining the concept of dignified attire for divine service.