וַיַּרְא אֲדֹנָיו כִּי ד אִתּוֹ וְכֹל אֲשֶׁר־הוּא עֹשֶׂה ד מַצְלִיחַ בְּיָדוֹ

And when his master saw that Hashem was with him and that Hashem lent success to everything he undertook,

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Yosefs  stone, the Shoham (Topaz), in the Kohen Gadol’s breastplate, possesses the unique power to foster favor towards those displaying it (Rabbeinu Bachya; Pardhat Tzvia). Distinct from other stones, it adorned both the breastplate and the shoulders of the Kohen Gadol.

 

The Talmud (Yoma 75a) and Midrash recount the events leading to the acquisition of the Shoham stone for the breastplate. These stones fell from the sky after the Mishkan’s construction, gifts for the leaders of Israel’s tribes. The leaders, initially hesitant to contribute to the Mishkan, later regretted their decision when the people surpassed expectations. Despite the surplus for the Mishkan, the leaders, motivated by newfound regret, received the Shoham stones.

 

This stone symbolized Yosef, who laid the groundwork for Bnei Yisroel in Egypt, aiding both his family and the nation during famine. Despite good intentions, Yosef faced consequences, being the first brother to die in Egypt due to his leadership. 

 

Leaders, like Yosef, must make tough choices, facing opposition with conviction. The leaders in the desert made and executive decision and may have erred, but they were granted the stone of Yosef to show that sometimes leaders need to make tough decisions that lead to consequences . The Shoham stone with its power to find favor in the eyes of others, a gift to them, emphasizing the need for leaders to be viewed positively despite difficult decisions.

 

These Shoham stones were placed specifically on the shoulders of the Kohen Gadol. The sefer Mei HaSholach states that this was done because the Kohen Gadol had to shoulder the responsibility of the nation and still show love. The Shoham stone color is black. Even at times of doubt, we must forge through and sometimes make decisions that might make people uncomfortable. However, if it is done with the right intentions, the love will shine through.🌟

 

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