Avnet (kohen)

The Avnet was a sash worn by the Kohen Gadol (Jewish High Priest) and kohenim (priests) of ancient Israel whenever they served in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or the Temple in Jerusalem.

The avnet worn by the High Priest was of fine linen with "embroidered work" in blue, purple and scarlet ().

According to Rabbinical literature the avnet was 32 cubits long [Midrash; Maimonides] and 2, 3 or 4 fingers wide [Maimonides; Kadmoniyot] . At this length, it would have to have been wound around the body several times. Theories differ as to how this was accomplished: some say it was wound around the waist only, while others say it was wound around the waist and over the shoulders, crossing over the heart. In any event, the ends would have been tied and allowed to hang down in front.

On Yom Kippur the High Priest changed into special "Linen Garments" that included an avnet of fine linen without any embroidery (). These Linen Garments were worn only once, with new ones being made each year.

According to the Talmud, the wearing of the avnet atoned for "sins of the heart" (impure thoughts) on the part of the Children of Israel. [Babylonian Talmud, "Zevachim" 88:B]

References

ee also

*Michnasayim
*Ketonet
*Mitznefet
*Me'il
*Ephod
*Hoshen
*Tzitz