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Exodus 39:23 - Priestly robe's protective design

Exodus 39:23 - שמות 39:23

Hebrew Text

וּפִי־הַמְּעִיל בְּתוֹכוֹ כְּפִי תַחְרָא שָׂפָה לְפִיו סָבִיב לֹא יִקָּרֵעַ׃

English Translation

And there was a hole in the midst of the robe, like the hole of a suit of armour, with a band round about the hole, that it should not tear.

Transliteration

Ufi-hameil betocho kefi tachra safa lefiv saviv lo yikare'a.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּפִֽי־הַמְּעִ֥יל בְּתוֹכ֖וֹ כְּפִ֣י תַחְרָ֑א שָׂפָ֥ה לְפִ֛יו סָבִ֖יב לֹ֥א יִקָּרֵֽעַ׃
וּפִֽי־הַמְּעִ֥יל בְּתוֹכ֖וֹ כְּפִ֣י תַחְרָ֑א שָׂפָ֥ה לְפִ֛יו סָבִ֖יב לֹ֥א יִקָּרֵֽעַ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse describes the design of the me'il (robe) worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), as detailed in Shemot (Exodus) 28:32. The phrase "וּפִי־הַמְּעִיל בְּתוֹכוֹ כְּפִי תַחְרָא" ("And there was a hole in the midst of the robe, like the hole of a suit of armour") refers to the opening for the head, which was reinforced to prevent tearing.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the me'il was woven seamlessly, requiring a reinforced opening for the head. He compares it to the opening of a tachra (a coat of mail or armor), which is strong and does not fray. The phrase "שָׂפָה לְפִיו סָבִיב" ("with a band round about the hole") indicates that the edge was bound with an additional woven border to ensure durability.

Rambam's Insight

In Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (Laws of the Temple Vessels), the Rambam emphasizes that the me'il was a garment of great sanctity, and its construction had to reflect its holy purpose. The reinforced opening symbolized the Kohen Gadol’s need for strength and integrity in his service, as any tear would render the garment unfit for use in the Avodah (Temple service).

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) connects the reinforced opening to the idea of spiritual resilience. Just as the me'il was protected from tearing, so too must the Jewish people guard their spiritual commitments from being "torn" by negative influences.

Symbolism in the Me'il

  • Durability: The reinforced opening teaches the importance of maintaining the integrity of mitzvot and avoiding spiritual deterioration.
  • Holiness: The seamless design reflects the unity and perfection required in divine service.
  • Leadership: The Kohen Gadol, as a spiritual leader, must embody strength and steadfastness, much like the untearable me'il.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the hole in the kohen's robe (me'il) not tearing?
A: The Torah emphasizes that the hole in the kohen's me'il (robe) was reinforced to prevent tearing. Rashi explains that this teaches us about the importance of preserving the dignity of the holy garments. Just as the robe was made to last, we learn that items used for mitzvot should be treated with care and respect.
Q: Why does the Torah compare the hole in the me'il to a suit of armor?
A: The comparison to a suit of armor (tachra) teaches that just as armor protects a soldier, the me'il served as a spiritual protection for the kohen during his service in the Mishkan. The Midrash Tanchuma also suggests that this reinforced opening symbolizes strength and durability in serving Hashem.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the design of the me'il?
A: The reinforced hole teaches us the value of foresight and quality craftsmanship. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 8) derives from this that when performing mitzvot, we should use well-made items that won't easily become damaged. This applies today in how we treat our tallit, tefillin, and other religious articles.
Q: Why was the me'il designed with a special opening instead of being open at the bottom?
A: The me'il was a seamless garment worn over the head (like a poncho), requiring a reinforced neck opening. The Talmud (Yoma 72a) explains that this design prevented tearing when putting it on, showing that even practical details of the priestly garments carried spiritual lessons about careful preparation for divine service.