hoshen

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Pronunciations

hoshen (HO-shen)

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Definitions

  • n. The breastplate, usually made of silver, that covers the Torah.

Example Sentences

  • "The Jewish mystic and poet Lionel Ziprin alleged that when a Hoshen is brought in front of the right Rabbi at the right moment during Yom Kippur day, that the Hoshen would light up, and each stone may glow for a few moments." (source)

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Languages of Origin

  • Textual Hebrew

Etymology

  • חֹשֶׁן

      • Who Uses This

      • Religious: Jews who are engaged in religious observance and have some Jewish education

      Regions

      • North America

      Dictionaries

      • The JPS Dictionary of Jewish Words, by Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic, (Philadelphia, 2001).

Notes

  • "Modern breastplates are reminiscent of the one worn by the High Priest in biblical times, which had 12 pre-cious stones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The hoshen is attached to a chain and draped over the atzei chayim after the scrolls have been 'dressed.' Usually a small box is soldered to the plate; it contains silver nameplates for each holiday and special Sabbaths." (JPS)

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