The High Priest’s Breastplate, Souvenir Stamp Sheet

While serving in the Holy Temple, priests wore special garments, as described in the book of Exodus, chapter 28. These included pants, a tunic, a sash and a turban. The High Priest, whose special position and roles were above those of the other priests, wore four additional pieces of clothing – a robe, the ephod (a garment worn over the robe), the breastplate (Heb. choshen) and mitre (ceremonial headdress). The High Priest looked regal and elegant in these garments. The gold mitre sat atop his head, the long blue robe fringed with golden bells enveloped his body and the ephod was attached at the shoulders with two onyx stones. The breastplate, the most magnificent garment of all, adorned his chest. The choshen (breastplate) was a small colourful garment embellished with twelve different gemstones, each of which was inscribed with the name of one of the Tribes of Israel. One of the High Priest’s special functions was to ascertain the Divine Will regarding various questions by consulting the Urim and Thummim, which were contained within the breastplate.

The souvenir sheet was issued on 12th December 2012.

The souvenir sheet together with an information sheet are enclosed in a plastic protection sheet.