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Thepriestly sash orgirdle (Hebrewאַבְנֵטavnet) was part of the ritual garments worn byJewish high priests who served in theTemple in Jerusalem.
The "sash" or "girdle" worn by the High Priest was of fine linen with "embroidered work" inblue, purple andscarlet (Exodus 28:39,39:29); those worn by the priests were of white, twined linen. The sash should not be confused with the embroidered belt of theephod. Like the other priestly vestments, the purpose of the sash was "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:41). On theDay of Atonement the High Priest changed into special linen garments that included a sash of fine linen without any embroidery (Leviticus 16:4). These linen garments were worn only once, with new ones being made each year.
According toRabbinical literature,Midrash andMaimonides, the sash was 32cubits long and 2, 3 or 4 fingers wide. At this length, it would have to have been wound around the body several times. Theories differ as to how this was accomplished: some say it was wound around the waist only, while others say it was wound around the waist and over the shoulders, crossing over the heart. In any event, the ends would have been tied and allowed to hang down in front.[citation needed] According to theTalmud, the wearing of the sashatoned for "sins of the heart" (impure thoughts) on the part of theChildren of Israel.[1]