The Surprising Power of Priest Garments in Ancient Tradition

In this week's Torah portion, Tetzaveh, the elaborate details of the priestly garments are described. Our sages (Zevachim 88b) taught us something intriguing: these garments atone for sins:

The tunic atones for bloodshed,

The trousers atone for sexual immorality,

The ephod atones for idolatry,

The turban atones for arrogance,

The sash atones for impure thoughts,

The breastplate atones for perverting justice,

The robe atones for gossip,

And the frontplate atones for impudence.

On one hand, the foremost transgressions are mentioned here: idolatry, immorality, and murder. On the other, common moral failings are also noted, regarding which our sages said, "Three things no one is safe from daily: the dust of gossip, thoughts of sin, etc." (Bava Batra 164b).

This concept deserves deeper understanding. Among all the commandments and rituals performed in the Temple – the sacrifices, the incense, the libations – why is it the garments, which don't seem to perform any specific work of atonement, that provide such comprehensive atonement, both for severe trangressions and moral failures common to all?

It appears not to suggest such sins are easily atoned for. Tosafot and Shnei Luchot HaBrit explain that the atonement isn't for the sinner directly, but for those around him, considered accountable. Tosafot in Arakhin 16 elaborate on this, referring to those who fail in these sins' "secondary elements," and Maharsha explains it's about those who sin inadvertently.

Yet, more explanation is needed. Even if not done in the gravest form, what's the nature of atonement via priestly garments? After all, even secondary sins or inadvertent sins require atonement.

The priestly garments represent the highest form of human demeanor. Standing before Hashem, they embody the elevated status of a person. The Torah stresses the priest's trousers to maintain modesty, ensuring that even when ascending the altar, his body isn't exposed before the sacred stones. The robe, with its bells, reminds against gossip, as the sound announces the priest's presence constantly. The priest as the people's representative before Hashem cannot move stealthily; he must not act in secret without the bells' forewarning, contrasting the surreptitious nature of gossip. The tunic, signifying human dignity, atones for bloodshed, reminding of Joseph's brothers stripping his tunic, a precursor to handing him over for harm. The frontplate on the forehead guides permitted and forbidden thoughts, and so on.

These are not merely symbols, but seen by everyday people visiting the Tabernacle. Observing the priest's dignity, listening to the bells, recognizing his avoidance of disdain, witnessing each careful movement – their shared part in sins is atoned and purified. It genuinely encourages them to shun transgressions, aspiring to be as sanctified as the priest, fostering a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation."