Gematriahs of the Bigdei Kehuna

by Rav Yehuda Samet

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The Talmud (Zevachim 88b) states that the Bigdei Kehuna (Priestly Clothing) achieved atonement for specific sins. The following Gematriahs (numerical values of Hebrew words) demonstrate my conjecture that the Bigdei Kehuna also helped to prevent those sins.

Note: There is a principle in Gematriah called "Kollel" - that an extra count of one (1) can be added to a Gematriah for each word, or for the whole group of words. Anytime this principle is used in this document the additional number is added in parenthesis.

Item

Atones for:

Preventative Measure

breastplate
429 + 358 (+2) = 789

distortion of justice

pursue justice
199+590 = 789

source:

Ephod - (apron)
91

idol worship

Angel 91	Amen 91

	Faith

robe
150

derogatory / slanderous speech

proper speech
64+85 (+1) = 150

tunic
870

bloodshed

		from it a quiet heart in the land 293+409+32+135 (+1) = 870

(outside of Israel the tendency for murder is greater)

turban
660

haughtiness

he will have a humble spirit
410+30+220 = 660

sash
62

improper thoughts

contemplate them (words of Torah) 42+19 (+2) = 62
and speak in them (words of Torah)	and contemplate it (Torah) day and night

pants
220

sexual immorality

spiritual purity
219 (+1) = 220

forehead-plate
190 (+1) = 191

chutzpah

honoring every person
45+80+66 = 191

Produced by Ohr Somayach Institutions, Jerusalem
Compiled by Rabbi Yehuda Samet
General Editor: Rabbi Moshe Newman
Production Design: Michael Treblow

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