Alexander’s Dream
The eight priestly garments worn by the Kohein Hagadol were meant to atone for various common sins. This was a more subtle aspect of the High Priest’s garments.
These garments in themselves were extremely impressive. It is likely that other religions “borrowed” the idea of how their spiritual leaders would dress, from our Kohein Hagadol.
These garments actually changed the course of history. We are told that Alexander the Great had a dream that he would one day meet the High Priest of Israel wearing these eight special garments.
His dream came true in his face to face meeting with Shimon Hatzaddik. After being awe struck by his holiness, Alexander promised to be kind to the Jewish people. This was quite amazing when we consider that we were speaking of the great conqueror, Alexander the Great.
He kept his promise and treated the Jews very well. This explains why to this very day, Jews name their children, different forms of the name, “Alexander.” And it all began with a dream and being in awe of the eight priestly garments.
One of the garments was a gold band called the “Tzitz” that was worn on the High Priest’s forehead. It had the words, “קודש לה׳,” sanctified to G-d, written on it. This was meant to atone for one’s haughtiness and arrogance.
The breastplate of judgement, or “Choshen Mishpat,” symbolized the need for honest judges. The Alshich wrote that judges keep the world from disintegrating.
The other garments encouraged sexual morality, using the gift of speech in a positive way, staying away from idol worship, and improper thoughts.
We can now better understand the incredible sanctity of Yom Kippur, when the Jewish people witnessed the Kohein Hagadol uttering G-d’s holiest name, while wearing his eight priestly garments.
The entire nation was elevated to an extremely high level of spirituality. Their sins were forgiven and they were cleansed.
The garments of the High Priest played a very significant role historically, as well as being the vehicle that brought people closer to Hashem.