The Torah tells us in this week’s portion that bells will be sewn on the hem of the priestly robe. As the priest enters the sanctuary with the bells on his robe, a voice will be heard (Exodus 28:33-35). What is the significance of these bells? And whose voice is the Torah referring to?
On its simplest level, the voice refers to that of the bells. Among his many duties, the priest would offer atonement for his own sin. As it would be embarrassing for others to be present during this personal teshuvah process, the bells signal that those present should leave, allowing the priest private moments with God.
An important teaching emerges. There are times when we must allow others, even our most righteous and pious, personal space – to grieve, to rejoice, or to reflect.
Another idea: With many people in the sanctuary, it was only fair that they knew when the priest was entering so they would not be taken by surprise.
A significant lesson can be derived. Whenever entering into a room, it’s important in the spirit of the priestly bells to knock, protecting the privacy of those inside. Privacy is so important that Jewish law tells us that one should be careful to knock before entering anywhere – even one’s own home or a child’s room (Pesachim 112a.).
Yet another thought. If the small priestly bells could be heard, it tells us the atmosphere of the holy sanctuary was serene – there prevailed the kind of decorum, the kind of quiet necessary for reflection.
Once again, a key message. In a place of holy worship it is important to maintain a level of silence in order for people to dialogue with God.
One final observation. The bells were placed aside pomegranate-shaped objects. Midrashic literature teaches that since the pomegranate is so full of seeds it is symbolic of the capacity of even the greatest sinner to sprout forth goodness. Hence the bells could be heard ringing out as they clanged with the pomegranates to teach that even the most wicked could wake up and reconnect.
This concept can help us to understand whose voice was heard in the bells. The term ve-nishmah kolo is initially found in the Torah when Adam and Eve hear the voice of God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). All firsts in the Torah teach us the real meaning of the term. From this perspective, it could be argued that the voice present in these verses refers to God – it was God’s voice that was heard through the bells.
Some think a synagogue is meant only for the most pure. But this is not the case. A synagogue is a spiritual hospital where all of us, with our imperfect souls, come to be healed. The bells clinging to the pomegranates release a soft call telling each of us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, we have the capacity to hear His voice, the inner voice of God, and return.