3,959. The Robe

Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:2

The letters of the tzitz were embossed by carving them on the back of the plate. The plate was pressed into beeswax until the letters stood out. The plate had holes on either end. A strand of blue wool ran below it from hole to hole so that it could be tied at the back of the Kohein Gadol’s neck.

Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 9:3

The robe was entirely of blue wool, made of twelve-ply strings. Its opening was woven at the start of its weaving. There were no sleeves. Rather, it split into two “wings” from under the throat and down in the style of robes. These were only connected immediately under the throat. If someone tore the neck of the robe, he was subject to the penalty of lashes, as per Exodus 28:32: “It shall not be torn.” This rule also applies to the other kohanic garments; if someone tore them in a destructive manner, he would be subject to the penalty of lashes.