Guiding Questions: Exodus 28

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. How did the pagan rite leaders dress?
  2. How does the breastplate(s) symbolize the Kohen’s function as representative?
  3. Why are specialists in rite needed at all?
  4. Why is Mosheh not assigned the mishkan duties?
  5. Does Mosheh have any special garb when he enters the mishkan?
  6. Why are “knickers” worn; how does this dovetail with the mitzvah “lo taalu b’maalot al mizbehi” — that is, “you shall not approach My altar going up on steps?”
  7. Does the kirvah center require those who will show the Israelites how it is to be approached and used?
  8. Is it necessary to have those who will have certain special, ongoing functions which the average Israelites could not be expected to carry out regularly?
  9. Are the personnel (Kohanim) “agents” of B’nai Yisrael?
  10. Is it appropriate that special responsibilities in the kirvah center should be signalized by a special garb?
  11. Does clothing ever have a “meaning” when related to the kirvah center; and, later, when all B’nai
  12. Yisrael will have a special clothing item?
  13. Does the garb itself, in the mishkan, refer to the central idea of tzedek/mishpat (verse 30)?
  14. Does the clothing reflect the notion that excess casualness in the kirvah center is to be avoided (verse 35)? Does this mean that the center is a “place of fear” or, rather, that it should not be regarded as “just some other place?”
  15. How do the personnel of the kirvah center avoid any vestige of the fertility cults of the pagan, and is this reflected in the circumspection of their dress?

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    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • favicon of exploring judaism logo

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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