It says in this week's Parasha... “You shall make a head-plate of pure gold, and you shall engrave upon it, engraved like a signet ring, ‘Holy to G‑d.’” (28:36)
QUESTION: Why were the words, “Holy to G‑d,” engraved on the head-plate?
ANSWER: The Gemara (Zevachim 88b) states that the garments of the Kohen Gadol were a source of forgiveness for various iniquities and transgressions committed by the Jewish people. The head-plate forgave the sin of azut panim — shamelessness or boldness. On the other hand, Yehudah ben Teima says, “Be bold (az) as a leopard when fulfilling the will of your Father in heaven” (Pirkei Avot 5:20). The words, “Holy to G‑d,” engraved on the head-plate indicated that azut panim should be consecrated — used only for the purpose of serving Hashem.
