שמות, פרק ל״ט, פסוק כ״ג

The design of the High Priest's robe blends meticulous, practical craftsmanship with strict religious law. At the center of this design is the neck opening, which required a specialized, highly durable construction to ensure the garment remained entirely intact over time.

To achieve this durability, the edge of the collar was folded inward and sewn down, creating a reinforced hem [ביאור שטיינזלץ, העמק דבר]. This reinforcement was exceptionally strong [ברכת אשר על התורה], mimicking the rounded, inwardly folded edge of woven armor [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. A protective border was securely attached all around the opening to provide maximum resistance against wear and tear.

There is a fundamental discussion regarding the overall shape of this robe [העמק דבר]. One perspective envisions the garment as a wide tunic featuring sleeves and a traditional neck opening [רש״י]. Another approach suggests the robe was completely sleeveless and open from top to bottom, with the neck opening simply being a woven hole through which the High Priest inserted his head [רמב״ם ורמב״ן]. The method of folding the collar's edge inward aligns seamlessly with the first view. However, the general concept of the robe can accommodate both designs. It appears that the craftsman was instructed that both forms were acceptable, leaving the specific choice to the High Priest in each generation. Regardless of its exact shape, the entire garment was a masterpiece of weaving. Even the sleeves were not attached with a needle, but were woven seamlessly into the main body as a single, continuous piece [העמק דבר].

The requirement that the robe must not tear carries a dual meaning. On a practical level, the thick, armor-like collar naturally prevented accidental ripping. On a legal level, it established a formal prohibition against intentionally tearing the garment [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. These two ideas work together: the opening was physically reinforced to prevent accidental damage, yet anyone who purposefully tore it violated a direct command [פרדס יוסף]. Notably, this reinforcement was not designed to protect the garment during the High Priest's entrance into the Holy of Holies. Such an idea is dismissed, as he entered that most sacred space wearing only plain white linen garments, leaving this elaborate woven robe outside [פרדס יוסף].