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Exodus 39:26 - Kohen's robe: sound and fruit

Exodus 39:26 - שמות 39:26

Hebrew Text

פַּעֲמֹן וְרִמֹּן פַּעֲמֹן וְרִמֹּן עַל־שׁוּלֵי הַמְּעִיל סָבִיב לְשָׁרֵת כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Pa'amon ve'rimon pa'amon ve'rimon al-shulei hame'il saviv leshareit ka'asher tzivah Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

פַּעֲמֹ֤ן וְרִמֹּן֙ פַּעֲמֹ֣ן וְרִמֹּ֔ן עַל־שׁוּלֵ֥י הַמְּעִ֖יל סָבִ֑יב לְשָׁרֵ֕ת כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
פַּעֲמֹ֤ן וְרִמֹּן֙ פַּעֲמֹ֣ן וְרִמֹּ֔ן עַל־שׁוּלֵ֥י הַמְּעִ֖יל סָבִ֑יב לְשָׁרֵ֕ת כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Bells and Pomegranates on the Kohen Gadol's Me'il

The verse (Shemot 28:34) describes the alternating arrangement of golden bells (pa'amon) and woven pomegranates (rimon) on the hem of the me'il (robe) worn by the Kohen Gadol during his service in the Mishkan. This design was commanded by Hashem to Moshe as part of the sacred vestments.

Symbolism of the Bells and Pomegranates

  • Bells (Pa'amon): Rashi (Shemot 28:35) explains that the bells served a practical purpose—their sound announced the Kohen Gadol's entrance into the Kodesh, ensuring he would not enter unannounced and incur divine wrath. The Ramban adds that the bells symbolized the need for reverence when approaching holiness, as their sound served as a "knock" before entering.
  • Pomegranates (Rimon): The Midrash (Tanchuma, Tetzaveh 10) teaches that the pomegranates allude to the mitzvot, as even a "hollow" pomegranate (one with minimal Torah knowledge) is filled with mitzvot like a pomegranate is filled with seeds. The Zohar (Terumah 152a) further connects them to the 613 mitzvot, as the gematria of rimon (רימון) hints at this number.

Alternating Pattern

The repetition of "a bell and a pomegranate" emphasizes their equal importance. The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) notes that the bells and pomegranates were arranged alternately, teaching that Torah (symbolized by pomegranates) and action (symbolized by the sound of the bells) must go hand in hand. The Kli Yakar (Shemot 28:34) elaborates that this balance reflects the harmony between spiritual study and practical mitzvah observance.

Purpose of the Me'il's Design

Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:4) underscores that every detail of the me'il was divinely ordained to inspire awe and sanctity. The sound of the bells served as a public reminder of the Kohen Gadol's sacred role, while the pomegranates represented the collective merit of Klal Yisrael. Together, they embodied the ideal of serving Hashem with both audible proclamation (kol) and silent devotion (ma'aseh).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 88b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly garments, specifically the robe of the high priest with its bells and pomegranates, as part of the broader discussion on the Temple service and its requirements.
📖 Arakhin 16a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the details of the priestly garments and their significance in the Temple service, emphasizing the importance of following divine commandments as given to Moses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the bells and pomegranates on the Kohen Gadol's robe symbolize?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, the alternating bells and pomegranates on the Kohen Gadol's robe (me'il) represent the harmony between different aspects of service. The bells symbolize sound (Torah study and prayer), while the pomegranates (full of seeds) symbolize good deeds and mitzvot. Together they teach that our service must include both Torah learning and practical mitzvah observance.
Q: Why were there bells specifically on the Kohen Gadol's robe?
A: The Talmud (Arachin 16a) explains that the bells served a practical purpose - their sound announced when the Kohen Gadol was entering or leaving the Holy areas, showing proper reverence. The Midrash also teaches that the ringing atoned for the sin of lashon hara (evil speech), transforming negative speech into holy sounds.
Q: How many bells and pomegranates were on the robe?
A: While the Torah doesn't specify the exact number, Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:4) states there were 72 in total - 36 bells and 36 pomegranates alternating around the hem. This is based on the measurements of the robe and the space needed for each ornament.
Q: What can we learn today from the bells and pomegranates?
A: The Sages teach that this teaches us about balance in our lives. Just as the Kohen Gadol needed both the 'sound' of Torah (bells) and the 'fruits' of good deeds (pomegranates), we too must combine Torah study with practical mitzvah observance. The constant alternation reminds us that our learning should lead to action.
Q: Why does the verse repeat 'a bell and a pomegranate' twice?
A: Rashi explains the repetition emphasizes the precise alternating pattern - bell, pomegranate, bell, pomegranate all around the hem. The doubling also teaches that each element was equally important in the service of the Kohen Gadol, just as both Torah study and mitzvah observance are equally essential in our service of Hashem.