Daily Chumash & Rashi Parshas Tetzaveh Shelishi: The Kutoness, Avneit, turban, and pants (Tuesday, 7th Adar)

📘 Rashi Q&A — Shemot 28:31–43

28:31 — The Robe (Me’il)

Q1. Why is it called “Me’il Ha’Ephod”?

A: Because the Ephod is worn over it.

Q2. What does “כְּלִיל תְּכֵלֶת” mean?

A: The robe is entirely turquoise wool, with no other material mixed in.

28:32 — The Head Opening

Q3. What does “פִי רֹאשׁוֹ” refer to?

A: The neck opening at the top of the robe.

Q4. What does “בתוכו” mean?

A: Folded inward (as Onkelos: “כפיל לגוויה”).

Q5. How was the hem formed?

A: Woven, not later sewn by needle.

Q6. What is “כְּפִי תַּחְרָא”?

A: Like the hem of a coat of mail, which is folded inward.

Q7. What does “לא יקרע” teach?

A: One who tears the robe transgresses a negative commandment, just as with the Breastplate loosening and the Ark’s poles.

28:33–34 — Pomegranates and Bells

Q8. What were the “rimonim”?

A: Hollow, spherical shapes, like a closed pomegranate or egg.

Q9. What were the “pa’amonei zahav”?

A: Gold bells with clappers inside.

Q10. What does “בתוכם סביב” mean?

A: Bells were attached between every two pomegranates, all around.

Q11. How were they arranged?

A: A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, alternating.

28:35 — Purpose of the Bells

Q12. What does “ולא ימות” teach?

A: If the Kohen Gadol enters missing this garment (or any required garment), he is liable to death by Heaven, even without performing service.

28:36–38 — The Tzitz (Forehead Plate)

Q13. What was the Tzitz?

A: A gold plate two fingerbreadths wide, spanning ear to ear.

Q14. What phrase was embossed on it?

A: “קֹדֶשׁ לַה’” — “Holy unto Hashem.”

Q15. Why do verses seem contradictory about where the Tzitz sits (on the turban / on the forehead / cords upon it)?

A: Because the cords passed through holes and tied behind the head, with one cord over the turban, so the plate hung properly on the forehead.

Q16. How many cords were used?

A: Six cords — two at each end (inside and outside) and two at the center.

Q17. What does “ונשא אהרן” mean?

A: It implies forgiveness, yet literally means Aaron “bears” the sin until it is removed.

Q18. What sin does the Tzitz atone for?

A: That sacrificial blood or fats were offered in impurity.

Q19. Does the Tzitz atone when not worn?

A:

• One opinion: Yes, it always assures favor.
• Another: Only when worn; “תמיד” teaches he must not let his mind wander from it, touching it to maintain awareness.

28:39 — Tunic, Turban, Sash

Q20. What does “ושִׁבַּצְתָּ” mean?

A: The tunic was made with many recessed patterns.

Q21. What does this tunic consist of?

A: Entirely linen.

28:40 — Garments for Aaron’s Sons

Q22. What garments were made for Aaron’s sons?

A: Four garments only: tunic, sash, hat, and trousers.

Q23. What are “migba’ot”?

A: Hats — the same as the Kohen Gadol’s mitznefet.

28:41 — Dressing, Anointing, Inaugurating

Q24. Which garments were for Aaron himself?

A: Breastplate, Ephod, Robe, Checkered Tunic, Turban, Sash, Tzitz, and trousers.

Q25. Which garments were for his sons?

A: Those explicitly listed for them.

Q26. What does “ומשחת אותם” mean?

A: To anoint them with the anointing oil.

Q27. What does “ומילאת ידם” mean?

A: Inaugurate them — “filling the hands” means installation into office.

Q28. What example does Rashi give from Old French?

A: A gant (glove) given to confer an appointment — “revestir.”

28:42 — Linen Trousers

Q29. Who were the trousers for?

A: Aaron and his sons.

Q30. How many garments does this make?

A: Eight for the Kohen Gadol; four for a regular Kohen.

28:43 — Requirement to Wear the Garments

Q31. When must the garments be worn?

A: Whenever entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the Outer Altar.

Q32. What is the penalty for serving without the proper garments?

A: Death by Heaven.

Q33. What does “חֻקַּת עוֹלָם” teach?

A: This law applies immediately, eternally, and is essential, not optional.