The
Torah describes the masterfully tailored priestly attire interwoven with
gold strands and multi-color threads.
The basic priestly wardrobe starts with the
Cohen's four garments, leading up to the exclusive vestments of the Cohen
Gadol (the High Priest). The prominent Choshen centerpiece with a dazzling
array of precious stones represented Israel's twelve tribes "in remembrance
before G-d."
Each jewel was individually engraved and
customized with a tribe's name. An interactive highlighted Divine display,
the amazing Choshen has come to symbolize the Priesthood.
The Torah emphasizes repeatedly that the
Choshen was securely attached to the Ephod suspenders. This positive
commandment is further reinforced by a negative warning not to remove the
Choshen from the Ephod.
At first glance, this commandment was
merely practical, fit for proper wear, so that the Choshen would not dangle
loosely (see Sefer Hachinuch).
Accordingly, such an attachment would only
be necessary during the official service when the Cohen was on duty. But
Rambam, based on the Talmud (Makos 23a) insists that it was permanently
secured, the Choshen was never to be removed from the Ephod.
Rashi, too, when interpreting the word "Sharheros"
as 'firmly rooted' as in 'shoresh' very different from another similar
Hebrew root word 'shalsheles' - a chain, which can open or shut. In terms of
the Choshen (according to Rashi) it's connection was as rooted and unlike a
chain which can be removed.
This Choshen-Ephod juxtaposition seems to
create a redudancy. The Ephod already has it's own two stones with the names
of Israel's tribes engraved on it, so why the duplication with the stones of
the Choshen?
This Choshen-Ephod issue relects Hillel's
balance in Pirkei Avot 1:14 - "If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am
only for myself, what am I?"
The tribes were listed collectively as a
group on the Ephod, while on the Choshen featured them individually on
separate stones. The Ephod Stones could be likened to a GROUP PHOTO while
the Choshen could be likened to the nidvidual INSETS.
Judaism recognizes our individuality, each
a gem in its own right, shining forth with unique sparkle, talent and style.
At the same time, however, we must always tie in with our community and our
common origin and heritage.
The lesson of the Choshen needed to be tied
in with the Ephod: Both diverse and together - we are One!
