Jewish High Priest’s Turban and Crown, Exodus 28 by Dr. Terry Harman

A reminder of the Significance of the Garments

In our previous post, we learned that each of the eight golden garments of the High Priest in Jewish tradition is intrinsically holy and imparts atonement for specific sins when worn properly during Yom Kippur rituals.

The sages of the past taught that these garments, worn by the High Priest during Temple service, serve to atone for the sins of Israel. It is taught that, similar to sacrifices, the priestly garments facilitate atonement for sin (Babylonian Talmud Zevachim 88:B).

"This is one of the deeper aims of wearing these garments, and something for the kohen to ponder while they are upon him. For his everyday actions in the Temple transcend his own personal idiom and take on a more universal theme... he makes atonement and spiritual rectification for all humanity.

Thus, we are taught:"

• The tunic, which covers most of the priest's body, atones for killing.

• The pants atone for sexual transgressions.

• The turban, worn on the head, atones for haughtiness.

• The belt, wound about the body and worn over the heart, atones for "sins of the heart" - improper thoughts

• The breastplate atones for errors in judgment.

• The ephod atones for idolatry.

• The robe atones for evil speech.

• The High Priest's crown atones for arrogance. (1)

Togues, Turbans, Hats, and Mitres

The distinctive hats worn by a Chef, a pilot, and a military general each serve unique and significant purposes within their respective professions and religious roles.

For a Chef, the traditional toque, with its tall pleats, not only signifies rank but also acts as a practical tool in the kitchen, keeping hair out of the food and providing a symbol of authority and expertise in the culinary arts.

In the realm of aviation, a pilot's cap with its gold wings emblem serves as a symbol of skill and accomplishment, while also providing practical benefits like shielding the eyes from glare and maintaining a sense of professionalism during flights.

Similarly, a military general's ornate and decorated hat represents their leadership and command authority within the armed forces, while its design often signifies the branch of service and rank, aiding in clear identification on the battlefield.

Likewise, the turban and gold plate of the Jewish High Priest have a unique purpose and spiritual significance for us.

Color lithograph showing two representations of the garments of the Jewish high priest. Lithography by Mayer Merkel & Ottmann, New York; copyrighted by Hubbard Bro's (1874). Public Domain

And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and engrave upon it, like the engravings of a signet: HOLY TO THE LORD. And thou shalt put it on a thread of blue, and it shall be upon the mitre; upon the forefront of the mitre it shall be. And it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity committed in the holy things, which the children of Israel shall hallow, even in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the LORD. Exodus 28:36-38 JPS 1917

And they made the tunics of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for his sons, and the mitre of fine linen, and the goodly head-tires of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twined linen Exodus 39:27-28 JPS 1917

White Linen Turban

The turban (mitznefet) was crafted from white linen, a color revered as a symbol of holiness and separation for sacred purposes. According to Mishne Torah, an extensive commentary on the Talmud written in the 12th century by the renowned Jewish philosopher and scholar Moses Maimonides, the High Priest's turban was formed by wrapping a 16-cubit or 24-foot-long linen strap around his head. (2) As stated above, in Jewish tradition, the white linen turban atoned for haughtiness.

Plate

The English word "plate" helps us to understand the difficult-to-translate Hebrew word tsiyts. Often understood in Hebrew as "blossom" or "shining thing." Exodus 29:6 further clarifies the purpose of the plate or tsiyts. "And thou shalt set the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre."

Here, the word "crown" is derived from the Hebrew word nezer, meaning dedicated, crown, or consecrated.

Pure Gold

The distinctive plate or crown attached to the turban was crafted of pure gold (tahor - clean or pure, without impurities). In Jewish tradition, the gold plate atoned for arrogance. This plate was inscribed (pathach - to open) in such a manner that the letters were raised and not engraved as understood in its contemporary use. The Talmud describes the method of engraving that was used to inscribe the words Holy unto God.

The writing of the High Priest’s frontplate was not embedded, i.e., it was not carved into the frontplate; rather, it protruded like the form on gold dinars (3).

I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional craftsmanship of my friend, Daniel Smith. He was the talented artisan behind the "engraved" gold plate I now use during my teaching. The accompanying picture beautifully captures the intricate process of bringing the letters to life, and I am thankful for his dedication and skill in creating such a remarkable piece for me.

Always Placed Upon His Forehead

The gold plate held a strategic position on the forehead, precisely in front of the face of the High Priest, as indicated by the term "mul panim" in Hebrew. Secured in place by blue twisted cords of wool, the hue of this wool was derived through a meticulous process involving the marine snail, Murex Trunculus. This color, known as tekeleth, signified royalty and was a luxury to produce due to its expense.

For centuries, the art of creating this majestic color was lost to the annals of history. However, in recent times, Orthodox Rabbis in Israel have made a remarkable discovery, uncovering the long-lost formula for reproducing this prestigious hue. Their efforts have revived a sacred tradition and brought back a deep connection to the regal past of the High Priest's attire. The restoration of this historical knowledge is a matter of profound significance, preserving a rich heritage and renewing the reverence for these sacred garments in modern times.

Intriguingly, while the Torah does not explicitly mention this detail, the Talmud adds a mind-blowing revelation about the placement of the turban on the priest's head. According to the Babylonian Talmud Zevachim 19, the turban was positioned in such a manner that a deliberate space was left between it and the crown on his forehead. This space served a remarkable purpose, as it allowed the High Priest to don the tefillin, the phylacteries of the head.

Amidst this sacred arrangement, the High Priest's hair remained visible between the crown and the turban, and it was there that he placed the tefillin. The tefillin contains the sacred verses from the Torah, an embodiment of the divine words entrusted to the Jewish people.

HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be for frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 JPS 1917

Within this holy repository, the essence of God's commandments is carefully preserved, connecting the High Priest directly to the sacred wisdom that guides and sanctifies the people.

As we ponder the significance of this awe-inspiring tradition, we find ourselves immersed in a profound reverence for the spiritual tapestry woven within the High Priest's garments. This revelation sheds light on the depth of purpose and symbolism underlying each element, offering a glimpse into the sanctity of ancient traditions and the profound connection between man and the Divine.

Holy to the Lord

The profound teachings of the Talmud reveal the significance of the gold plate or crown attached to the humble turban. Who does it atone for sin, you ask? Both the High Priest and the people of God. Not merely for the haughtiness and arrogance that may grip the hearts of the people, but also as a poignant reminder for the High Priest himself. Even in his sacred role, he must guard against the allure of haughtiness and arrogance, for he is called to minister in the presence of the Almighty.

With every donning of the white linen turban adorned with the illustrious gold diadem, the High Priest is humbled. He reflects upon the moments when he might get "too big for his breeches" and when arrogance dared to touch his soul, and he remembers his solemn duty to intercede for the atonement of a people who, too, have fallen prey to this insidious trait.

Unlike the lofty crowns and diadems adorning the kings of the nation, which proudly perch atop their heads, the High Priest's crown bears a profound message, deliberately positioned upon his forehead. A potent symbol, indicative of the very dwelling place of haughtiness and exalted thoughts.

The placement of this sacred emblem beckons our attention to the depths of human nature. For within the corridors of our minds, the seeds of pride and grandeur may take root, ever yearning to ascend to the summit of our consciousness. But the High Priest, in his divine wisdom, accepts this symbolic burden, embracing the weight of the crown upon his brow.

In this powerful act, he becomes the embodiment of humility, demonstrating that even in the highest stations, one must never forget the vulnerability of the human spirit to be ensnared by vanity and conceit. Thus, with each step he takes, the High Priest carries not only the weight of the golden crown but also the mantle of a living lesson in the art of remaining grounded, anchored in humility, and attuned to the sacred truths that lie within the chambers of the heart.

In the grand tapestry of his sacred service, he grasps the essence of humility, knowing that even in the highest position as Cohen Gadol, the allure of self-importance must be shunned. With every step in this divine journey, he learns the profound lesson of remaining steadfast in his humility, for it is through this meekness that he finds his strength and stands as an unwavering advocate for his people before the Almighty. Holiness unto the Lord was his watchword and song!

HEAR, O ISRAEL: THE LORD OUR GOD, THE LORD IS ONE. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

References

(1) Temple Institute, "Priestly Garments," accessed August 1, 2023, https://templeinstitute.org/priestly-garments/.

(2) Chabad.org, "Klei Hamikdash - Chapter 8.19," accessed July 24, 2023, https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1008233/jewish/Klei-Hamikdash-Chapter-8.19.

(3) Sefaria, "Gittin 20a.16," accessed August 3, 2023, https://www.sefaria.org/Gittin.20a.16.