Torah Portion: Tetzaveh
They shall make garments of sanctity for Ahron your brother and his sons, to minister to Me (Shemos 28:4).
It is a positive commandment addressed to the kohanim-priests to wear special garments, for glory and honor which they are to wear while ministering in the Sanctuary, as it is written, They shall make garments of sanctity for Ahron your brother and his sons, to minister to Me (Shemos 28:4).
Among the roots of the mitzvah is the idea that a person is influenced by their actions, thoughts and intentions. Now, a kohen, who acts as the agent to bring atonement for a person, must immerse all his thoughts and intentions and direct them completely to the Service. It is therefore proper that he wear these special garments so that whenever he looks at anywhere on his body he will be immediately aroused and reminded to think about before Whom he is standing. This is similar to the idea of teffilin which every Jew is commanded to don on one part of the body — it is a reminder to have appropriate thoughts. And although the kohen also wears tefillin, he is required to also wear these special garments on account of his great calling.
It is for the same reason that the length of the Kesones-tunic must cover his whole body until just above the ankle, and the sleeve must extend until [it covers the wrist and reaches] the hand. The Mitznefes-turban is sixteen cubits long and is wrapped around his head so that he will see it whenever he lifts his eyes. The Avnet-sash that he girds on his waist is thirty-two cubits long, which [the kohen] winds repeatedly around [his waist]. He thus feels it constantly with his arms. It is wrapped so many times around him that his arms always touch it.
Aside from this, the garments of the kohanim also contribute to the glory of the Temple and the Service, since the ones performing the Service are wearing garments designated only for doing the service. By glorifying the Temple, and increasing the awe there, the hearts of sinners are softened, helping them return to Hashem.
This commandment applies when the Holy Temple stands, to kohanim who serve in the Holy Temple. A kohen who performs the Service without wearing the special garments is liable to death by the hands of Heaven.
