Rabbi Howard Morrison

Much of this week's Parsha details the ornate vestments worn by the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest. At face value, someone filling this role could become haughty by his external appearance. In fact, this may have occurred at different times of Temple history. Consider the hypocrisy of the priesthood in post Maccabean times and later when Second Temple priests were at odds with the early rabbis.

Actually, the ornate clothing was intended to remind the High Priest of his spiritual and moral obligations. For example, the breast plate contained twelve stones symbolizing the twelve tribes. Thus, the Kohen Gadol wore his responsibility to care for the entirety of the Israelites.

Aaron, the first Kohen Gadol, stood true to the ideals represented by his vestments. In Pirkei Avot, we learn, "Be among the disciples of Aaron - loving peace, pursuing peace, loving people, and drawing them close to Torah."

Many of us wear different kinds of Jewish clothing and symbols, including Kippah, Tzitzit, Magen David/Chai necklaces, etc. May the symbols we wear enhance our spiritual and moral obligations.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Howard Morrison