Every One Counts

In this week's parsha, Tetzaveh, we read about the garments of the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest. One was called the Meil, it was a turquoise robe that had golden bells and pomegranate shaped balls on its hem. When the Kohen Gadol did the divine Temple service, he had to be wearing the Meil.  "Its sound should be heard when he came to the Holies before Hashem, and when he exits, and he won't die."

What was the Meil all about? Why was it so important, that if he was not wearing it, he would die?

The Meil had two vestments that went over it. In front was the Choshen, the breastplate, which represented the righteous. Around the back was the Eifod, the Apron, which represented those who found their way back to Torah observance.

The Meil had pomegranates on bottom. Pomegranates represents those who are at  the lowest possible level of observance. Of whom our sages say, "even they are full of mitzvahs, like a pomegranate (is filled with seeds). It has bells, because unlike the righteous and the returnees, who find themselves relaxed and comfortable in spiritual holiness, the pomegranate realizes his state and clamors to reach higher. Aside for the bells and pomegranates, it was entirely turquoise, which reminds us of heaven, which represents the unbreakable bond, even the pomegranate has with Hashem.

When the Kohen Gadol entered the Holies to do the Temple service, he was representing every Jew. If he did not, his service was found lacking, being the spiritual leader of the Jewish people, the Heavenly Court held him to a higher standard. If he chose not to represent even one Jew, even the pomegranate Jew, he would die.

This shows you the value and significance of every Jew, without which, no service could be done in the Temple. This also tells us that every Jew is close to Hashem, no matter where you feel you are spiritually and religiously, look up to Heaven, Hashem wants you, loves you and welcomes you home.