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Exodus 39:7 - Shoulders bear Israel's memory

Exodus 39:7 - שמות 39:7

Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׂם אֹתָם עַל כִּתְפֹת הָאֵפֹד אַבְנֵי זִכָּרוֹן לִבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And he put them on the shoulders of the efod, that they should be stones of memorial to the children of Yisra᾽el; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayasem otam al kitfot ha'efod avnei zikaron livnei Yisrael ka'asher tziva Adonai et Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֣שֶׂם אֹתָ֗ם עַ֚ל כִּתְפֹ֣ת הָאֵפֹ֔ד אַבְנֵ֥י זִכָּר֖וֹן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ <span class="mam-spi-pe">{פ}</span><br>
וַיָּ֣שֶׂם אֹתָ֗ם עַ֚ל כִּתְפֹ֣ת הָאֵפֹ֔ד אַבְנֵ֥י זִכָּר֖וֹן לִבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃ {פ}

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Parasha Commentary

The Stones of Memorial on the Efod

The verse describes Aharon placing the two avnei zikaron (stones of memorial) on the shoulders of the efod, as commanded by Hashem through Moshe. These stones bore the names of the twelve tribes of Yisrael, serving as a constant reminder before Hashem (Shemot 28:12).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Shemot 28:12) explains that the placement of these stones on the shoulders of the efod symbolizes the concept of carrying—just as one carries a burden on their shoulders, the Kohen Gadol carries the memory and merit of Bnei Yisrael before Hashem. This reflects the Kohen Gadol's role as an intercessor for the nation.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Klei HaMikdash (9:9), the Rambam emphasizes that the stones were engraved with the names of the tribes to serve as a zikaron (remembrance), ensuring that Hashem would recall the righteousness of the Avos (forefathers) and show mercy to their descendants.

Symbolism in the Midrash

The Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 10) elaborates that the two stones correspond to the two tablets of the covenant, further connecting the Kohen Gadol’s role to Torah and divine service. Just as the tablets united Klal Yisrael in their covenant with Hashem, the stones on the efod unified the tribes in their shared spiritual mission.

Practical Implications

  • The stones were made of shoham (a precious gem), highlighting the value of each tribe (Rashi, Shemot 28:9).
  • Their placement on the shoulders signifies the Kohen Gadol’s responsibility to bear the spiritual needs of the nation (Malbim).
  • The phrase "as Hashem commanded Moshe" underscores the precision required in fulfilling divine commandments (Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 88b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the priestly garments and the stones of the ephod, emphasizing the fulfillment of divine commandments as given to Moses.
📖 Yoma 72a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the significance of the priestly garments and their role in atonement and remembrance for the children of Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the 'stones of memorial' mentioned in Exodus 39:7?
A: The 'stones of memorial' (avnei zikaron) were two large gemstones placed on the shoulders of the Kohen Gadol's (High Priest's) efod (a special garment). According to Rashi, these stones served as a constant reminder before Hashem of the merits of the tribes of Israel, as each stone was engraved with the names of six tribes (Exodus 28:12).
Q: Why were the stones placed on the shoulders of the efod?
A: The shoulders symbolize bearing responsibility. The Midrash teaches that placing the stones on the shoulders represents how the Kohen Gadol carries the spiritual needs of all Israel 'on his shoulders' before Hashem (Shemot Rabbah 38:9). This teaches us about communal responsibility in Jewish tradition.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase 'as the Lord commanded Moshe' in this verse?
A: This phrase emphasizes the precise fulfillment of divine commandments. The Rambam explains in Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 9:7) that every detail of the priestly garments had to be made exactly as commanded, teaching us the importance of meticulousness in performing mitzvot.
Q: How does the concept of 'stones of memorial' apply to us today?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the concept teaches us the importance of remembering our spiritual heritage and our connection to all Jews. The Talmud (Yoma 73b) explains that these stones also represented the unity of Israel, a lesson still relevant today in maintaining Jewish unity.
Q: What was the efod mentioned in this verse?
A: The efod was a special apron-like garment worn by the Kohen Gadol during Temple service. Rashi (on Exodus 28:6) describes it as being made of five materials including gold, blue, purple and scarlet wool, and linen. It held the Choshen (breastplate) and these memorial stones, serving as important components of the priestly garments.