Leviticus 8:9 - High Priest's sacred golden crown

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Hebrew Text

וַיָּשֶׂם אֶת־הַמִּצְנֶפֶת עַל־רֹאשׁוֹ וַיָּשֶׂם עַל־הַמִּצְנֶפֶת אֶל־מוּל פָּנָיו אֵת צִיץ הַזָּהָב נֵזֶר הַקֹּדֶשׁ כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה׃

English Translation

And he put the mitre upon his head; also upon the mitre, upon its forepart, did he put the golden plate, the holy crown; as the Lord commanded Moshe.

Transliteration

Vayasem et-hamitznefet al-rosho vayasem al-hamitznefet el-mul panav et-tzitz hazahav nezer hakodesh ka'asher tziva Adonai et-Moshe.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת־הַמִּצְנֶ֖פֶת עַל־רֹאשׁ֑וֹ וַיָּ֨שֶׂם עַֽל־הַמִּצְנֶ֜פֶת אֶל־מ֣וּל פָּנָ֗יו אֵ֣ת צִ֤יץ הַזָּהָב֙ נֵ֣זֶר הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶת־מֹשֶֽׁה׃

Parasha Commentary

The Placement of the Mitre and the Golden Plate

The verse describes Aharon the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) placing the mitznefet (mitre) on his head and affixing the tzitz ha-zahav (golden plate) upon it. According to Rashi (Shemot 28:37), the mitznefet was a turban-like head covering, while the tzitz was a thin golden plate inscribed with the words "Kodesh LaHashem" (Holy to the Lord). The placement of these items was a precise fulfillment of Hashem's commandment to Moshe.

The Significance of the Tzitz

The tzitz served as a constant reminder of the sanctity of the Kohen Gadol's service. The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) explains that the tzitz atoned for arrogance and improper thoughts during the sacrificial service. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:1) emphasizes that the tzitz was positioned on the forehead, facing outward, to symbolize that the Kohen Gadol carried the sanctity of the Jewish people before Hashem at all times.

The Order of Placement

The verse specifies that the tzitz was placed "upon the mitre, upon its forepart", indicating a deliberate sequence. The Midrash (Sifra Tzav, Mechilta d'Miluim) teaches that each garment of the Kohen Gadol had its own unique spiritual purpose, and their proper arrangement was essential for the divine service. The positioning of the tzitz above the mitznefet highlights its role as the "crown of holiness" (nezer ha-kodesh), representing the pinnacle of the Kohen Gadol's sacred duties.

Fulfillment of Divine Command

The concluding phrase, "as the Lord commanded Moshe", underscores the importance of exact adherence to halachic details. The Sforno (Shemot 39:31) notes that this refrain appears repeatedly in the description of the Mishkan's construction to emphasize that every detail was executed precisely according to divine instruction, without deviation. This principle applies not only to the Kohen Gadol's vestments but to all mitzvos, teaching us the value of meticulous observance.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 19a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper placement of the priestly garments, particularly the mitre and the golden plate, as commanded in the Torah.

📖 Menachot 37b

The verse is cited in a discussion about the details of the priestly garments and the significance of the golden plate (tzitz) as part of the high priest's attire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'mitznefet' mentioned in Leviticus 8:9?
A: The 'mitznefet' (מִצְנֶפֶת) is the turban worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) as part of his sacred garments. According to Rashi, it was a wrapped head covering that distinguished him in his service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Q: What was the purpose of the golden plate (tzitz) on the High Priest's turban?
A: The golden plate, called the 'tzitz' (צִיץ), was inscribed with the words 'Kodesh LaHashem' (Holy to God). The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) teaches that it served as atonement for improper thoughts or arrogance, and it symbolized the sanctity of the Kohen Gadol's service before God.

Q: Why does the verse emphasize that this was done 'as God commanded Moshe'?
A: The Torah repeatedly emphasizes following God's exact instructions to teach the importance of precision in fulfilling mitzvot (commandments). Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 8-9) explains that every detail of the priestly garments had deep spiritual significance, and deviation would invalidate the service.

Q: Is there a lesson we can learn today from the High Priest's attire?
A: Yes! The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 38:8) teaches that just as the Kohen Gadol's garments atoned for various sins, our actions and intentions must also be directed toward holiness. The tzitz on his forehead reminds us to sanctify our thoughts in daily life.