by Rav Yehuda Samet

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