share torah logo

Exodus 39:19 - Golden rings connect breastplate's holiness

Exodus 39:19 - שמות 39:19

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעֲשׂוּ שְׁתֵּי טַבְּעֹת זָהָב וַיָּשִׂימוּ עַל־שְׁנֵי קְצוֹת הַחֹשֶׁן עַל־שְׂפָתוֹ אֲשֶׁר אֶל־עֵבֶר הָאֵפֹד בָּיְתָה׃

English Translation

And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the border of it, which was on the side of the efod inwards.

Transliteration

Va'ya'asu shtei taba'ot zahav va'yasimu al-shnei ktzot ha'choshen al-sfato asher el-ever ha'efod bayta.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֗וּ שְׁתֵּי֙ טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֔ב וַיָּשִׂ֕ימוּ עַל־שְׁנֵ֖י קְצ֣וֹת הַחֹ֑שֶׁן עַל־שְׂפָת֕וֹ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֶל־עֵ֥בֶר הָאֵפֹ֖ד בָּֽיְתָה׃
וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֗וּ שְׁתֵּי֙ טַבְּעֹ֣ת זָהָ֔ב וַיָּשִׂ֕ימוּ עַל־שְׁנֵ֖י קְצ֣וֹת הַחֹ֑שֶׁן עַל־שְׂפָת֕וֹ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֶל־עֵ֥בֶר הָאֵפֹ֖ד בָּֽיְתָה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Golden Rings on the Choshen

The verse describes the crafting of two golden rings placed on the ends of the Choshen (breastplate) to attach it to the Efod (priestly apron). Rashi (Exodus 28:26) explains that these rings were sewn onto the Choshen at its upper corners, facing inward toward the Efod, ensuring the breastplate remained securely fastened to the High Priest's garments during service.

Symbolism of the Rings

The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the two golden rings represent the dual aspects of Torah study and mitzvah observance, which must be bound together like the Choshen and Efod. The gold signifies purity and wisdom, as the Choshen contained the Urim and Thummim, through which divine guidance was received.

Structural Details from the Talmud

According to the Talmud (Yoma 72a), the rings were not merely decorative but served a functional purpose in connecting the Choshen to the Efod. The placement "on the side of the Efod inwards" indicates that they were positioned to maintain the breastplate's stability while allowing the High Priest to move freely during avodah (Temple service).

Rambam's Halachic Perspective

In Hilchos Klei HaMikdash (9:7), the Rambam emphasizes that the rings were an essential component of the Choshen's design, without which it would be invalid for use in the Temple. Their precise placement reflects the meticulous attention to detail required in fulfilling the divine commandments regarding the priestly garments.

📚 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 significance of the golden rings on the breastplate (Choshen)?
A: The golden rings on the breastplate (Choshen) were used to attach it securely to the efod (priestly apron), ensuring it stayed in place during the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) service. Rashi explains that these rings connected the Choshen to the efod, symbolizing the unity and harmony required in serving Hashem.
Q: Why were the rings placed on the 'inward side' of the breastplate?
A: The rings were placed on the inward side (facing the efod) to keep the breastplate close to the Kohen Gadol's heart, representing the deep connection between divine wisdom (symbolized by the Choshen) and the priestly service. The Midrash teaches that this placement emphasizes sincerity and inward devotion in serving Hashem.
Q: What materials were used for the rings, and why gold specifically?
A: The rings were made of pure gold, as commanded by Hashem. Gold symbolizes purity and enduring value, reflecting the sanctity of the Kohen Gadol’s role. The Rambam notes that gold was chosen for its beauty and durability, representing the eternal nature of the Torah and mitzvot.
Q: How does the design of the breastplate apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the design of the breastplate teaches us about the importance of carrying Torah wisdom close to our hearts (like the Choshen) and acting with sincerity in our mitzvot. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) compares a Torah scholar’s devotion to the Kohen Gadol’s breastplate, reminding us to internalize Torah values.
Q: Why were there exactly two rings on the breastplate?
A: The two rings correspond to the dual aspects of Torah study and mitzvah observance, which must always remain connected. The Zohar teaches that the two rings also allude to the Written Torah and Oral Torah, which work together to guide us in serving Hashem properly.