שמות, פרק כ״ח, פסוק ט׳

The preparation of the High Priest's garments involves creating the Ephod, a piece of clothing designed to carry the memory of the entire nation. Moses is instructed to take two stones and engrave the names of the tribes upon them, forging a physical and symbolic link between the spiritual representation of the High Priest and the people of Israel. Unlike previous instructions for the Tabernacle, which were directed to the community, this command is addressed to Moses as an individual, making it his personal mission [ברכת אשר על התורה].

These stones are already familiar to the people, having been brought earlier by the Israelites as a voluntary donation for the Tabernacle [אור החיים, העמק דבר, קאסוטו]. The exact type of stone is debated. Some identify it as a white stone, such as crystal [אבן עזרא], while others suggest it is onyx [שטיינזלץ]. These were semi-precious gems, chosen not for their extreme financial value, but because they were large enough to hold the engraved names [שטיינזלץ]. A unique perspective suggests that the original term does not refer to a specific type of gem, but serves as a general word for stones used to make seals. Consequently, the true worth of these stones came not from their physical material, but from the names carved into them [רש ר הירש].

Conceptually, these two stones correspond to the two Tablets of the Covenant. Their deeper purpose is to atone for the breaking of the first tablets and to reunite God, the Torah, Moses, and Israel. Carrying the names of the Israelites serves as a lasting memory for the nation, reflecting both the unity of God and the unity of the people [כלי יקר, אלשיך].

The exact technique used by the artisans to engrave the names is a matter of discussion. One approach argues that the letters were carved in relief, meaning the background was scraped away so the letters protruded outward [הכתב והקבלה]. A contrasting view maintains that the letters were sunken into the stone, leaving the surrounding surface raised above the names [דעת זקנים]. Additionally, a distinction is drawn between the stones of the Ephod and those of the breastplate. The Ephod stones were carved by craftsmen using traditional engraving tools, which naturally removed material from the gem. In contrast, the breastplate stones were inscribed using the miraculous Shamir worm, which split the stones without causing any loss of material [רש ר הירש].