Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the 'bigdei serad' mentioned in Exodus 39:41?
A: The 'bigdei serad' (uniforms for service) refer to the special linen garments worn by the Kohanim (priests) when performing service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Rashi explains these were simpler garments worn during the more physically demanding tasks of the service.
Q: Why were special garments needed for Aharon and his sons?
A: The Torah requires special garments for the Kohanim to honor and glorify their sacred service (Shemot 28:2). The Rambam teaches that these garments helped create a sense of awe and reverence for the divine service, setting the priests apart for their holy duties.
Q: What can we learn from the concept of special priestly garments today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the principle teaches us to approach sacred acts with proper preparation and respect. Just as the Kohanim wore special garments, we dress appropriately for prayer and holy occasions to elevate our mindset (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 98:4).
Q: Were the priestly garments the same for all Kohanim?
A: No, there were differences. The Kohen Gadol (High Priest) had eight special garments (Shemot 28), while regular Kohanim wore four simpler garments (tunic, pants, turban and belt) as described in Shemot 28:40-42 and explained in the Talmud (Zevachim 17b).
Q: How were these priestly garments made?
A: The garments were crafted by skilled artisans with divine wisdom (Shemot 28:3), using specific materials like gold, blue, purple and scarlet wool, and linen. The Midrash (Tanchuma Tetzaveh 11) emphasizes how every detail had profound spiritual significance.
The Garments of the Kohanim
The verse describes the special garments made for Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and his sons, the Kohanim, for their service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). These garments were essential for the avodah (divine service) and carried deep spiritual significance.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Shemos 31:10) explains that "בִּגְדֵי הַשְּׂרָד" refers to the garments worn by the Kohanim when performing the regular service in the Mishkan. The term "שְּׂרָד" is related to the word "סֵרֶד" (to serve), indicating their purpose for daily avodah. The "בִּגְדֵי הַקֹּדֶשׁ" are the special garments of the Kohen Gadol, which included the eight unique vestments (e.g., the Choshen, Ephod, and Tzitz).
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchos Klei HaMikdash (8:1-2), the Rambam elaborates that the garments of the Kohanim were not merely functional but served to honor and glorify the divine service. The Kohen Gadol’s garments, in particular, were designed to inspire awe and reverence among Bnei Yisrael, as they represented the sanctity of his role.
Midrashic Insights
Symbolism of the Garments
The Zohar (Terumah 184a) explains that the Kohen Gadol’s garments paralleled the spiritual garments of the heavenly realms. By wearing them, he connected the physical and spiritual worlds, elevating the avodah to a higher plane. The colors (gold, blue, purple, and scarlet) and materials (linen, wool) also symbolized different divine attributes.
Practical Halachic Implications
The Gemara (Zevachim 17b) states that a Kohen who performed the avodah without the proper garments was invalid, as the verse emphasizes their necessity ("לְשָׁרֵת בַּקֹּדֶשׁ"). This underscores the principle that the external garments reflect the inner sanctity required for divine service.