Who was the High Priest?

The High Priest in ancient Jewish tradition was the chief religious leader of the Israelites. The position was held by one person at a time, and his primary responsibilities included performing religious rituals, serving as a judge, and leading the people in times of war.

This system of high priesthood and mediation continued until the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the role of high priest once and for all. Hebrews 4:14-16 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

What was the significance of the Urim and Thummim that were kept in the high priest's vest, and how did they play a role in connecting the high priest with God?

One of the relevant Bible verses that describe the High Priest's outfit is "These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests." (Exodus 28:4)

See the collection Jewelry - Stones of the Breastplate

The High Priest also wore a special garment, which included a breastplate made of 12 precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. The stones on the breastplate were arranged in four rows of three, and their order was significant.

To be installed as high priest, one had to wear holy garments and undergo a special anointing. The high priest's clothing included the vest of the ephod, which was a sleeveless garment worn over the upper torso and had the names of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved on it. The vest also had a pocket containing the Urim and Thummim, which only the high priest could consult. The headdress was made of fine linen and had the words "Holy to Jehovah" inscribed upon the gold plate of the crown.

The special tunic inscribed with the names of Israel represented the nation, while the headdress labelled "holy to Jehovah" represented God's interests. Together, these two items represented the mediation of the high priest between God and the people.

What were the various ceremonies and holidays that the high priest performed during the Hebrew year, and how did they serve to connect the people with God?

On Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Hebrew year, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies in the Temple (the holiest part of the Temple, where no one else was allowed to enter) and performed a special ceremony to atone for the sins of the people. He wore his special priestly garments and brought two goats before the Holy of Holies, one for the Lord and the other for Azazel. On the goat of sin, he put his hands and took out incense from it to offer it before the Ark and then sent the goat into the wilderness to symbolize the removal of the sins of the people.

"And after the death of Aaron, the priest shall not enter into the holy place within the veil before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat." (Leviticus 16:33)

"And he shall not come in unto the holy place, until he hath made atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel." (Leviticus 16:17)

These verses indicate the great importance and sanctity of the Holy of Holies, which only the High Priest could enter, and only on certain occasions and after the necessary preparations and purification.

In addition to Yom Kippur, the High Priest conducted other ceremonies and rituals throughout the year, such as the offering of sacrifices, the lighting of the menorah, and the waving of the lulav and etrog on Sukkot.

What is the significance of the 12 stones on the breastplate of the High Priest and how do they relate to the 12 tribes of Israel?

"You shall also make a breastpiece of decision, worked into a design; make it in the style of the ephod: make it of gold, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen" (Exodus 28:15),

the breastplate that the High Priest wore on his heart is described. The breastplate had 12 precious stones with the names of the tribes of Israel engraved on them. Here is the list of the names of the tribes with the descriptions of the corresponding stones:

Names and Values of Stones

REUBEN - stone RUBY - adds vitality and energy
JUDAH - stone GARNET - attracts abundance and success in business. weaken the negative energy.
DAN - stone AMBER - maintains prosperity and quality of life. gives joy and strength.
ASHER - stone AQUAMARINE - has soothing properties focuses on.
SIMEON - stone TOPAZ - Suppresses fear and gives peace of mind.
ISSACHAR - stone SAPPHIRE - Strengthens health, gives courage.
NAPHTALI - stone AGATE - has healing properties, strengthens health. gives self-confidence.
JOSEPH - stone ONYX - Supports self-control and endurance. improves memory.
LEVI - stone EMERALD - has a strong energy of healing. relieves stress.
ZEBULUN - stone DIAMOND - protects from evil eye and spoilage, eliminates negative energy. 

In what ways can we connect today to the power and significance of the Hoshen Breastplate stones worn by the High Priest in ancient times?

The Hoshen Breastplate Stones pendant is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines tradition and contemporary design, crafted by The Peace of God, a company dedicated to creating meaningful and unique products for those who value their faith and spirituality.

The pendant features natural gemstones arranged in the same order as the original Hoshen Breastplate worn by the High Priest of Israel. Each stone represents one of the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the unity and strength of the Jewish people.

The design of the pendant is inspired by the ancient breastplate, but with a modern touch, making it a timeless piece that can be worn with any outfit. The chain is adjustable, allowing the pendant to be worn at different lengths, depending on personal preference.

The Peace of God company takes pride in designing and creating high-quality products that honor tradition while also reflecting modern aesthetics. They use only natural materials, such as gemstones and metals, and every piece is made with care and attention to detail.

By wearing the Hoshen Breastplate Stones pendant, one can connect with the rich history and spiritual significance of Israel, while also adding a touch of elegance to their wardrobe. It is a beautiful way to express one's faith and cultural heritage, and to carry a piece of Israel with them wherever they go.

In conclusion, The Peace of God's Hoshen Breastplate Stones pendant is a perfect combination of tradition, beauty, and spirituality. It is a testament to the company's commitment to creating meaningful products that honor the past while also celebrating the present.