שמות, פרק כ״ט, פסוק ו׳

Dressing the High Priest for his service in the Tabernacle reaches its peak with the garments placed upon his head. More than any other item, this headgear symbolizes his elevated status, setting him apart and dedicating him to his unique role.

Although the turban may have been the final piece placed on the High Priest's head during the dressing process, it is prioritized in the instructions due to its great importance and the honor it conveys [אבן עזרא]. The way the High Priest wore this turban was highly specific. It rested on top of his head but did not extend all the way down to his forehead, leaving a small gap where his hair remained visible. This space was intentionally left open so he could wear his head phylacteries directly against his skin, without the fabric acting as a barrier. Consequently, he was able to perform his sacred duties while adorned with these phylacteries [תורה תמימה].

Along with the turban, a holy crown rested on the High Priest's forehead. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers to the golden headplate. A discussion arises regarding the exact nature of this crown. Some suggest that a true crown must completely encircle the head. Because the golden headplate only stretched from ear to ear, they propose that the crown was actually a separate cap worn underneath the headplate. However, this view is strongly rejected by others. The accepted understanding is that the term for crown does not imply a physical circle. Instead, it stems from a concept of separation and dedication. By bearing the name of God, the headplate separated and elevated the High Priest from the rest of the nation, guiding him toward true holiness and greatness. It also served to protect the purity of the sanctuary from any foreign or harmful elements [הכתב והקבלה, רש ר הירש].

The placement of this headplate was closely tied to the turban itself. It did not sit on the very top of the turban; rather, the turban served as a sturdy base that kept the headplate properly positioned and prevented it from slipping off the High Priest's head [העמק דבר]. In practice, the headplate was secured over the turban using special threads that were tied together at the back of the neck. This arrangement held everything firmly in place like a structured hat, ultimately completing the majestic and holy appearance of the High Priest [רש״י, רש ר הירש].