Urim VeTummim/2
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Urim VeTumim
Exegetical Approaches
The Choshen Stones
The Urim and Tummim are identified with the stones of the Choshen on which were engraved the names of the tribes.
No description in Shemot 28? Since the Urim and Tummin are identical with the stones of the Choshen which are described at length, there is no need to describe them separately.
Why two names? This position must explain why the same object is given two distinct names:
- Rav Shrira Gaon suggests that the additional name is simply a sign of praise, highlighting the unique and important nature of the object.
- It is also possible that the Urim and Tummim is the name given to the entire framework of twelve stones in their gold settings.2 The Choshen, in contrast, referred to the multicolored woven fabric, or perhaps to the fabric together with the framework of stones, while the stones themselves each have individual names.
Why two names? This position must explain why the same object is given two distinct names:
- Rav Shrira Gaon suggests that the additional name is simply a sign of praise, highlighting the unique and important nature of the object.
- It is also possible that the Urim and Tummim is the name given to the entire framework of twelve stones in their gold settings.3 The Choshen, in contrast, referred to the multicolored woven fabric, or perhaps to the fabric together with the framework of stones, while the stones themselves each have individual names.
Relationship between 28:29 and 28:30 – This approach might, in part, be motivated by the similarity in language between the two verses. It assumes that both verses speak of the same object but highlight two different goals of the Urim and Tummim. The names on the stones were meant to ensure that the tribes were constantly remembered, while the framework as a whole allowed Aharon to determine the answers to their questions.4
Why are they called Urim and Tumim? Lekach Tov suggests that the name reflects the divining function of the stones. Urim relates to the word "אור", light, for they enlightened Israel when they had a question. Tummim relates to the word "תם", completeness or integrity, for their determinations came true. Haketav VeHaKabbalah adds that they might also be so called due to the stones' physical properties. They were lustrous (full of "אור") and complete and perfect ("תם").
"וְנָתַתָּ אֶל חֹשֶׁן" versus "וּמִלֵּאתָ בוֹ"
What is the relationship between the Urim and Tumim? This position would suggest that there is no difference between the Urim and Tummim. When the Urim is mentioned alone, it is simply an abbreviation.
How did the divination work? According to Rambam (and his son), when asked a question, the priest would get divine inspiration, look at the Choshen, and via prophecy see certain letters from the engraved names protrude to spell a reply. According to him, the letters on the stones themselves did not physically shine or pop out and there was no supernatural component to the Choshen. It merely facilitated prophecy.
בית שני
Script
What were the Urim and Tumim?
- כתב שם המפורש - Rashi explains that in between כפלי החושן they put כתב שם המפורש which shined and showed the right answers.
- Alphabet letters - Shadal explains that there were small pieces of wood or metal that had the alphabet letters on them that were put in the Choshen.
What is the relationship between Urim and Tumim?
Why are they called Urim and Tumim?
How did the שאלה work?
Relationship between 28:29 and 28:30
Why are the Urim and Tumim not mentioned in Shemot 39?
Vayikra 8:8
בית שני
