שמות, פרק כ״ח, פסוק י״ג

The construction of the high priest's garments involves intricate connections to ensure every piece stays perfectly in place. At this stage, a structural and thematic bridge is formed between the Ephod and the Breastplate. The focus shifts to the specific components designed to link these two sacred garments together [קאסוטו].

There are exactly two of these gold fasteners, introduced only partially at this point, with their full role saved for the upcoming instructions regarding the Breastplate. Their primary purpose is to serve as anchors for the chains that link the upper part of the Breastplate to the shoulder pieces of the Ephod, guaranteeing that the Breastplate never shifts out of position [רש״י, מזרחי, שפתי חכמים]. These fasteners are fixed directly to the edges of the Ephod's shoulder pieces, ready to receive the connecting chains [ביאור יש״ר, חזקוני].

The exact shape and mechanics of these fasteners are understood in several ways. Some picture them as gold ornaments featuring a decorated, open hole meant for threading [קאסוטו, חזקוני], or perhaps shaped to resemble eyes [אבן עזרא]. Others explain them as flat gold plates with indentations designed to grip the ends of thick chains, functioning much like a buckle or a button on a belt [רשב״ם]. Another perspective refines this idea, suggesting a hollow, square plate containing a pin to catch the chain, since the chains were too wide to fit through a standard round ring [העמק דבר]. Taking a completely different approach, one view suggests these components were woven from gold threads, creating small pieces with individual compartments [רלב״ג].

A question remains regarding the specific identity of these fasteners. While it is possible they are the very same gold settings previously mentioned for holding the onyx stones [רש״ר הירש], other scholars clarify that they are entirely separate components [ביאור יש״ר]. Furthermore, this general instruction might also account for additional gold settings that will eventually be placed directly onto the Breastplate itself [ביאור שטיינזלץ].