In this portion we learn about the making of pure, beaten olive oil. And, the Kohen tribe becomes the kohanim. Their special garments are described, as is the ceremony for installing the priests. Commentary by Michael Graetz M any times we discover that what seems to be a simple sentence becomes very complicated.
Language can seem clear, but much is hidden.
The glory of our heritage of Midrash and interpretation is the revelation of complexity in the seemingly simple. Having bordered them with frames of gold, attach the two stones to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, as stones for remembrance of the Israelite people, whose names Aaron shall carry upon his two shoulderpieces for remembrance before the Lord. It is clear from this passage that the two stones on the ephod are very important. They symbolize the fact that the High Priest is all of Israel, that he carries with him, literally, the tribes when he comes before God. Thus, how the names appear on the stones is no trivial matter.