3,965. Serving While Lacking Garments

Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 10:3

After wrapping the sash around himself, the Kohein Gadol puts on the robe, over which he puts the ephod and the breastplate. He ties the belt of the ephod over the robe, beneath the breastplate. The robe is therefore called “the robe of the ephod,” meaning that is tied closed with the ephod. Next, he winds his hat like a turban and ties the tzitz over the hat. The Kohein Gadol’s hair could be seen between the tzitz and the hat; he would wear his tefillin in the space between the tzitz and his hat.

Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 10:4

There is a Torah obligation to make the kohanic garments and for the kohanim to serve in them, as per Exodus 28:2: “You shall make holy garments” and 29:8: “Bring his sons near and dress them in tunics.” If a Kohein Gadol served with fewer than the prescribed eight garments, or if a regular kohein served with fewer than the prescribed four garments, this is called “lacking garments.” The service of a kohein lacking garments is invalid and he is liable to a Divine death penalty, the same as a non-kohein who serves. This is derived from Exodus 29:9: “You shall bind them with a sash...and their priesthood will be for them,” meaning that when they have their garments on, their priesthood status is in effect. But if they’re not wearing their garments, then they are like non-kohanim, about whom Numbers 1:51 says, “A non-kohein who draws near (to serve) will die.”