Our clothes are communicative. When we wear them, we convey a message, be that subtle or explicit, to those who see us. Clothes, therefore, are quiet stories that we tell each day. When God tells us to wear certain clothes, He is telling us a story, or teaching us one that we must tell ourselves.

The Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, had to wear eight pieces of clothing while serving in the Mishkan. The centrality of these clothes indicates their importance. Almost half of this week’s parasha is spent describing them. Each is detailed with great specificity. Each contains its own purpose and symbolism. One of these is the Meil: a long blue overcoat. The Torah describes how this coat must be hemmed by little pomegranates and bells which hang off its edge.

וְהָיָ֥ה עַֽל־אַהֲרֹ֖ן לְשָׁרֵ֑ת וְנִשְׁמַ֣ע ק֠וֹלוֹ בְּבֹא֨וֹ אֶל־הַקֹּ֜דֶשׁ לִפְנֵ֧י יְקֹוָ֛ק וּבְצֵאת֖וֹ וְלֹ֥א יָמֽוּת: (שמות כח:לה)

Aharon shall wear it while serving, so that his voice/sound (קולו) is heard when he comes into the Holy (Sanctuary) before God and when he goes out, so he will not die. (Shemot 28:35)

Due to these bells, a soft tinkling would be heard as the Kohen Gadol entered the Mishkan. Various commentators explain why this was needed. Rashbam[1] explains that it sounded a warning for everyone except the Kohen Gadol to leave the vicinity. Nobody was allowed to be in the Mishkan when the Kohen Gadol was performing services within it. They would hear him coming and leave. Ramban[2] adds that this was also a signal for the place that he would enter. You do not just barge into the King’s inner court. Likewise, you do not simply stroll into the inner sanctuary. You get permission and signal your intent before entry. The tinkling of the bells........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)