Monday, March 06, 2006

Heart & Mouth

"And the breastplate will not be loosened from upon the ephod." (Shemos 28:28) Aharon wore the breastplate "al libo" - "on his heart" (Shemos 28:29). The word "ephod" has the numerical value of 85, which is the same numerical value of "peh" - "mouth". This is suggesting that the mouth and the heart should be in harmony. Being "echad bepeh ve'echad belev" - saying things that we do not really mean is contrary to the Torah.

(Degel Machaneh Ephraim)