- Torah and Jewish Thought
- General Questions
Breastplates on the stones of Cohen Gadol
Question
What were the names of that stones and what did it have any symbolic or hidden meaning?
Answer
ב"ה
Shalom
The names of the stones of the Cohen's breastplate appear in Shemot 28: 18-20, where Moshe was commanded to make the breastplate and which stones to put in it.
There are various opinions among the commentators in identifying the stones and there is the job of then translating these names into English. I used the translation of "the Living Torah" by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan z"l , where he also added extensive notes. I strongly recommend studying them.In addition, I think most of us would have to study some gemology to really understand what these stones are.
The first row: carnelian, emerald, and a topaz.
Second row: carbuncle, sapphire, and beryl.
Third Row: jacinth, agate, and amethyst.
Fourth Row: chrysolite, onyx, and jasper.
As I said, surely all these stones had symbolic and esoteric meaning when the Cohen wore them.
All the best

whats the correct method of learning in judaism
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 23, 5781

Question about man
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Tishrei 30, 5782

Hassidut taught in religious zionist yeshivot
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Elul 1, 5774

Hebrew language
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 8, 5773

Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Friday Night
Av 26, 5769

Kashrut
Elul 14, 5769

Swimming together with siblings
Av 29, 5769

Bilam
Elul 20, 5769

Backyard Eruv
Various Rabbis | 15 Kislev 5763

How do I Kasher a kettle
Rabbi David Sperling | Tevet 18, 5780

Hot Plate and Shabbat Timer
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 25, 5773

How do I Kasher a kettle
Rabbi David Sperling | Tevet 18, 5780
Morning Netilat Yadayim
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Sivan 30, 5782

Relations with a gentile woman
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 20, 5782

Showing hair when covering your hairline
Rabbi David Sperling | Sivan 25, 5782
