Tezaveh: Clothes make the man

Tezaveh: Clothes make the man

 

Think Yiddish; Dress British

 

The Cohen Gadol was the symbol of the Nation.  He unified the nation and this was reflected in his vestments.  The vestments, in fact defined the Cohen Gadol in the second temple. He was invested in the office by virtue of them, he was called meruba bigadim. 

The choshen and the ephod were representations of the 12 tribes. On the Ephod, the names of six tribes were inscribed on each stone - like two voices, one coming from each shoulder ( angel vs. devil; Republican vs. Democrat).

 

[It is interesting to note that the Ephod is related to Podeh, redeem.  The Holy of Holies refers to Kapara ( kaporeth - the covering of the ark, peroches, the curtain, caftor- the knob on the Menorah are all rearrangements of kapora - amnesty.  Presumably the two concepts worked together]

 

The Choshen contained 12 different stones arrayed in 4 rows of 3 stones each, representing the twelve tribes and the individuality  ( and brilliance) of each of them.

 

Thus it is perfectly reasonable to understand that Aaron was the agent of peace, who brought conflicting people ( and presumably tribes) together,  It is understandable that  Cohen gadol and the Choshen would be involved in decisions that meant war.

 

Some things never go out of style.

 

 

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