שמות, פרק כ״ח, פסוק כ״ב

Crafting the garments of the High Priest required absolute precision, particularly regarding the physical components used to securely fasten the Breastpiece to the Ephod. Although the connecting chains were mentioned previously, their specific construction and exact purpose are detailed again to clarify their role [רשב״ם, אבן עזרא, קאסוטו]. They were not necessarily placed directly on top of the garment, but were made specifically for the Breastpiece, designed to hang from the Ephod and attach directly to the rings of the Breastpiece [רש״י, חזקוני, פרדס יוסף]. Because the Breastpiece held a higher level of holiness than the Ephod due to the presence of the Urim and Thummim, the chains situated closest to it had to be crafted with a special, dedicated intent [העמק דבר].

The chains themselves served a vital anchoring function. While the primary approach among commentators understands them simply as standard chains [נתינה לגר, שפתי כהן], a more vivid perspective compares them to the roots of a tree. Just as roots hold a tree firmly in the earth, these golden chains securely anchored the Breastpiece to the Ephod [רש״י, ביאור יש״ר]. They were specifically designed to attach to the outer edges or borders of the Breastpiece [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Other scholars view this concept of borders as a physical limitation. For instance, the chains may have featured button-like ends that locked into gold settings to prevent them from slipping out [מלבי״ם], or they were crafted to a fixed, rigid length that could not be adjusted [ספורנו]. Another approach distinguishes between the top and bottom of the chains. The upper section was wide and flexible, while the lower section closest to the Breastpiece was narrower and more restricted so it could fit easily into the rings [העמק דבר].

The actual construction of these chains was highly unique. Instead of being made from individual, interlocking metal loops like regular chains, they were tightly woven and braided from threads of pure gold. This specific technique gave them a smooth, continuous appearance, much like a thick, strong rope [רש״י, ביאור שטיינזלץ, ברכת אשר].