PTIL TEKHELET EDUCATIONAL CENTER
in memory of Steven Esses z”l
Where Torah, Science, and History meet for a fun, educational, and inspirational experience
PTIL TEKHELET EDUCATIONAL CENTER
in memory of Steven Esses z”l
Where Torah, Science, and History meet for a fun, educational, and inspirational experience
Bigdei Kehuna
The royal clothes
of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest)
Bigdei Kehuna
The royal clothes
of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest)
Tell me about it...
The regular Kohen Hedyot wore four relatively plain garments made out of white linen, kutonet (tunic), michnasayim (trousers), migbaat (hat), and avnet (belt – which was made of precious fabrics). The Kohen Gadol wore four additional garments, the Meil (robe), Ephod (apron), Choshen (breastplate), and Tzitz (diadem), a grandiose collection fashioned from the most lavish materials, fine gold, precious gems, and exquisite fabrics. The Meil was woven of pure Tekhelet, as the Torah states, Kelil Tekhelet, “pure Tekhelet”.
The precise design of the Meil is subject to debate. Rashi (and the Raavad) believed it to have sleeves, similar to a robe. The Rambam, Ralbag, and Ramban saw it more as a sleeveless poncho, hanging down on either side (or in front and back) of the Kohen Gadol.
On the bottom hem of the Meil there were 72 paamonim v’rimonim [bells and ‘pomegranates’]. The rimonim were tassels made from blue Tekhelet, purple Argamman, and red Tolaat Shani. The bells were made of gold, and would chime when the Kohen Gadol performed the various services in the Bet Hamikdash, “so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the sanctuary before Hashem and when he goes out.”
The Meil of the Kohen Gadol
How was the meil made and what are the special considerations in weaving it? What is the significance of the meil?
Why doesn’t the Meil require tzizit?
The Meil was made of pure Tekhelet. Does this remind anyone of another place where we find someone asking about a Tallit SheKulo Tekhelet (a Tallit made completely of Tekhelet)?
