The Choshen

Few items of Jewish Jewelry have as rich a history as the Choshen. The exquisitely colorful breastplates are intriguing pieces and it is believed that an understanding of the significance of this piece would lead to a more meaningful experience for the wearer.

What is the Choshen?

Choshen is a Hebrew word translated to mean breastplate in English. It does not refer to any kind of breastplate, but rather to the breastplate worn by the High Priests of the Israelite people as relayed in the book of Exodus:

"And you shall make the breastplate of judgment, the work of an artist; after the manner of the ephod shall you make it: of gold, sky-blue, dark-red, and crimson dyed wool, and of twisted linen shall you make it." (Ex. 28:6,15)

The more accurate name for Choshen is the Choshen Mishpat which means breastplate of judgement.  According to commentators on the Bible, this was due to the fact that either something worn behind the breastplate, or the stones on the breastplate caused the breastplate to be a divination tool, which could be used to judge people.

What did the Choshen look like?

According to the Biblical source, the Choshen was attached to the Ephod. The Ephod was a kind of minimalist apron worn  by the High Priest. The Choshen was attached by gold chains to the Ephod. The Choshen was made of linen, was square-shaped and had twelve precious gems embedded on it. The Choshen was patterned and embroidered made up of threads that were gold, red, blue, crimson and linen.The jewels were arranged in four rows of three and were set in gold. Each jewel was original in it's mineral make-up. Each jewel represented one of the twelve Israelite tribes and had the respective name engraved upon the jewel. There is a difference of opinions as to the order of the names on the jewels, as well as the kinds of precious stones used. In fact, there are over thirty different opinions that exist as to the types of stones placed on the breastplate!

What was the significance of the Choshen?

The Rabbis teach that each item of clothing worn by the High Priest atoned for a different sin that the Jewish people had committed. In the case of the Choshen, it atoned  for misjudgments made by people. In fact, the Midrash says that it atoned for corruption in the judicial system.

For more information on the High Priests' clothing and efforts that are being undertaken today in order to raise awareness of the Temple among the Jewish people, visit the Temple Institute Website at http://www.templeinstitute.org/