Parshat Tetzaveh; Exodus 27:20 – 30:10 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger

They say “clothes makes the man.” How one dresses does still matter. First impressions are made by the way one is clothed. Even before the mouth is opened the way we present ourselves says something to others. Are you rumpled or neat? Does the outfit reveal too much or is it modest? Are you dressed casually or formally or in between? Our clothes are an outlet for expressing aspects of our personality. We express central ideas about whom we are and whom we would like to be by the way we dress.
Sometimes our clothing says a great deal about our work. In some professions there are uniforms. These kinds of clothes bring purpose and function to a job. Sometimes these uniforms are part of an informal expectation, such as the business suit. Unless of course you worked for IBM at one time that required white shirts and ties! At other times our work requires the uniform such as a surgeon who wears scrubs in the operating room. Our uniforms have functions and sometimes help us perform our jobs.

This week’s Torah portion describes in detail the “uniform” of the High Priests. With great detail, the parasha describes the special clothes and accoutrements needed for the priesthood. These clothes and accessories each have a special function for the priestly role. The vestments are meant to inspire. They used special yarns and threads and linen in the fabrication of the priestly garments. This would immediately be seen by the people as unique and special, truly the robes of nobility. The blue of the robe would stand out particularly since blue color or dye would have been rare. The special fabrics and decorations convey authority and holiness to the people. They were to be decorated with more rare and royal colors blue, purple and crimson in great detail.
The tunic of the priests would not only visually be stunning but according to the text must have golden bells sewn in the hem of the robe. This insures that when the priest wears the robe and walks in the robe –he is accompanied by music! As the Torah states, “ Aaron shall wear it while officiating, so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the sanctuary before Adonai, and when he goes out –that he may not die.” (Exodus 28:35) In essence these bells are a warning to all including the Divine Presence that the priest is nearby. Thus Aaron’s presence is announced and heralded by his own clothes.
The priestly garments also include the headdress and diadem with the words inscribed on it “Holy to Adonai”. Thus the priest’s crown further reinforces his own majesty and sanctity to all who see him.
The rest of the uniform includes, the breastplate, the urim and tummim, the ephod, and Aaron’s sons have their own garments including a sash, turban and tunics. Thus the priestly uniforms convey a bit about their unique role among the people Israel.
Today other religious traditions continue the unique garb of the priestly caste including special uniforms for various levels. The Roman Catholic Church has special outfits from everyone from the Pope to Cardinal, Monsignor to Bishop and priest.
The High Priest in all his finery must have been impressive and instilling in the people both fear and awe in his regal clothing. The special clothing and headgear brought a seriousness to his tasks and helped the people make the connection that they had come in contact through the priest with the Divine.