Special Priestly Garments

The eight special garments worn by the כהן הגדול had magical qualities. Not only were they meant to atone for various sins, but they had a profound effect on the observer of these garments.

There is the famous meeting of Alexander the Great and Shimon Hatzaddik, which inspired the great conqueror to be kind to the Jews, (his dream of seeing the High Priest in his priestly garments came true). To this day, it is acceptable to give the name Alexander or Alexandra, in his memory.

But even for the common folk, seeing the ציץ, the headband that had the words קודש לה׳ on it, would cause a sinner to grow pale. It was a clash between holiness and purity against the impurity of a transgression.

The other garments did their share of atoning. The כתונת, the shirt like garment, atoned for bloodshed. The מכנסי בד, the trousers, atoned for sexual indiscretions. The אבנט, the hat, atoned for improper thoughts. The list continues so that each בגד had its corresponding atonement.

This helps us understand why one who was in a city of refuge, goes free upon the death of the כהן גדול. He was all about bringing forgiveness to the Jewish people. His death brought national forgiveness that allowed the accidental murderer to go free.