וְנָשָׂ֣א אַ֠הֲרֹ֠ן אֶת־שְׁמ֨וֹ  בְּנֵֽי־יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל בְּחֹ֧שֶׁן הַמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט עַל־לִבּ֖וֹ

                        בְּבֹא֣וֹ אֶל־הַקֹּ֑דֶשׁ לְזִכָּרֹ֥ן לִפְנֵֽי־יְהֹוָ֖ה תָּמִֽיד׃

 

“Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel on the breast piece of decision over his heart, when he enters the sanctuary, for remembrance before God at all times.” Ex. 28:29

 

I have read Exodus 28 a time or two and over read it many more, but impact this morning of reading in Hebrew, thanks to Sefaria, who makes the weekly reading available, came with a wave of emotion.  I recalled how I as a priest went to altar of God carrying the names my charge on my heart.  But not just their names for on the breastplate they are joined with their burden, with their judgment in the face of God.  Now long retired, the truth is I still do.