Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the 'choshen' (breastplate) mentioned in Exodus 39:8?
A: The 'choshen' (breastplate) was a sacred garment worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) over his heart. It contained twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Shemot 28:15-21). According to Rashi, it was made with the same intricate craftsmanship as the efod (another priestly garment) and included gold threads and colored wool (techelet, argaman, tola'at shani) as described in the verse.
Q: Why were specific colors like techelet (blue) and argaman (purple) used in the choshen?
A: The colors techelet (blue), argaman (purple), and tola'at shani (scarlet) were chosen because they symbolize royalty, holiness, and divine connection. The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that techelet resembles the sea, which reflects the sky, reminding us of Hashem's presence. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:7) explains that these colors were used in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) to reflect the splendor and sanctity required for divine service.
Q: What is the significance of the choshen being made like the efod?
A: The Torah states that the choshen was made 'like the work of the efod' to show that both garments were equally important and required the same high level of craftsmanship. Rashi (on Shemot 39:8) explains that just as the efod was woven with gold and colored threads, so too was the choshen. This teaches us that every detail in the Mishkan had precise requirements to honor Hashem properly.
Q: How does the choshen apply to us today if we don’t have the Temple?
A: Although we no longer have the choshen, its lessons remain relevant. The choshen was worn over the heart (Shemot 28:29), symbolizing that the Kohen Gadol carried the tribes of Israel with love. Today, we learn to carry our fellow Jews in our hearts and prayers. Additionally, the detailed craftsmanship teaches us the value of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments) in our own mitzvah observance (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 1:1).
Q: What materials were used to make the choshen?
A: The choshen was made of gold threads and four types of dyed wool: techelet (blue), argaman (purple), tola'at shani (scarlet), and fine twisted linen (shesh moshzar), as stated in the verse. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8) explains that these materials represent different aspects of creation and divine service. Gold symbolizes spiritual purity, while the colors reflect the majesty of Hashem’s commandments.
The Construction of the Choshen (Breastplate)
The verse describes the making of the Choshen (breastplate) with intricate craftsmanship, mirroring the design of the Efod (priestly apron). According to Rashi (Shemot 28:15), the phrase "מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב" ("artistic work") refers to the weaving of patterns into the fabric, similar to embroidery, where the design appears on both sides of the material. This indicates the exceptional skill required in its creation.
Materials and Symbolism
The materials used—gold, techelet (blue), argaman (purple), tola'at shani (scarlet), and fine twisted linen—carry deep symbolic meaning. The Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:1) explains that these materials represent honor and splendor, befitting the sacred garments of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 38:8) further elaborates:
Connection Between the Choshen and Efod
The verse emphasizes that the Choshen was made "כְּמַעֲשֵׂה אֵפֹד" ("like the work of the Efod"). The Talmud (Yoma 72a) teaches that both garments were woven with the same technique, indicating their interconnected purpose. The Efod was worn on the back, representing submission to divine will, while the Choshen was worn over the heart, symbolizing wisdom and judgment (as it contained the Urim v'Tumim). Together, they reflect the balance between divine guidance and human responsibility.
The Role of the Choshen in Divine Communication
The Choshen was not merely ornamental; it played a crucial role in seeking divine counsel. The Gemara (Yoma 73b) explains that the Urim v'Tumim, placed within the Choshen, would illuminate letters to provide answers to national inquiries. This underscores the idea that true leadership requires both human wisdom and divine inspiration, as channeled through the sacred garments.