Mystery of Melchzedek

THE MYSTERY OF MELKIZEDEK: M. M. NINAN
• Mitznefet (turban)—that of the High Priest was much larger than that of the priests and wound
so that it formed a broad, flat-topped turban; that for priests was wound so that it formed a coneshaped
turban, called a migbahat. The tzitz, a golden plate inscribed with the words: "Holiness
unto YHWH" was attached to the mitznefet.
The vestments that were unique to the High Priest were:
• Me'il ("Robe of the Ephod")—a sleeveless, blue robe, the lower hem of which was fringed with
small golden bells alternating with pomegranate-shaped tassels in blue, purple, and scarlet -
tekhelet, argaman, tolaat shani.
• Ephod—a richly embroidered vest or apron with two onyx engraved gemstones on the
shoulders, on which were engraved the names of the tribes of Israel
• Hoshen (Breastplate)—with twelve gems, each engraved with the name of one of the tribes; a
pouch in which he probably carried the Urim and Thummim. It was fastened to the Ephod
• Tzitz (crown)—a gold plate inscribed with the words "Holy unto YHWH" which was attached to
the front of the Mitznefet, so that it rested on his forehead
The High Priest, like all priests, would minister barefoot when he was serving in the Temple. Like all of
the priests, he had to immerse himself in the mikvah before vesting and wash his hands and his feet
before performing any sacred act. The Talmud teaches that neither the kohanim nor the Kohen Gadol
were fit to minister unless they wore their priestly vestments: "While they are clothed in the priestly
garments, they are clothed in the priesthood; but when they are not wearing the garments, the
priesthood is not upon them". It is further taught that just as the korbanot (sacrifices) facilitate an
atonement for sin, so do the priestly garments.
The High Priest had two sets of holy garments: the "Golden Garments" detailed above, and a set of
white "Linen Garments" (bigdei ha-bad) which he wore only on Yom Kippur . On that day, he would
change his holy garments four times, beginning in the Golden Garments but changing into the Linen
Garments for the two moments when he would enter the Holy of Holies (the first time to offer the blood
of atonement and the incense, and the second time to retrieve the censer), and then change back again
into the Golden Garments after each time.
He would immerse in the mikvah before each change of garments, washing his hands and his feet after
removing the garments and again before putting the other set on. The Linen Garments were only four in
number, those corresponding to the garments worn by all priests (breeches, tunic, sash and turban), but
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