In 1975, the world was obsessed with "mood rings," liquid crystals that supposedly changed color based on your emotions.
In truth, mood rings were just reacting to body temperature. But today, there are scientifically proven ways to uncover hidden secrets: polygraphs measure physiology, and DNA tests can convict criminals or map a family tree.
Centuries ago, these methods would have looked like magic.
In the Torah portion, Tetzaveh, we are introduced to a garment that functioned as a divine "technology" for truth: the Choshen Mishpat, or the Breastplate of Judgment.
Worn by the High Priest, it held twelve precious stones engraved with the names of the Tribes. Inside its folds sat the Urim V’Tumim, a parchment inscribed with God’s sacred Name.
When a difficult question faced the nation, the letters on the stones would light up, providing a prophetic answer.
Our Sages tell us that during the Second Temple era, the spirit of prophecy "departed," and the Breastplate stopped responding. But notice: they didn't say it ceased.
It is waiting to return in the Messianic age, as Joel prophesied: “I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh.”
This prophetic return solves a major biblical dilemma.
In Ezra 2:62-63, a certain family couldn't find their genealogical records to prove they were Priests. Ezra didn't ban them forever; he ruled they must wait until “a priest arises with the Urim V’Tumim,” when his prophetic "DNA test" would settle their lineage once and for all.
This provides a powerful answer to those who claim the Messiah had to come before the Second Temple was destroyed because "all records were lost."
In addition to being historically inaccurate, today, most Jews are descendants of the tribe of Judah, and some individuals have records that trace their lineage to King David.
However, the Messiah’s lineage doesn't depend solely on a written record; it can be confirmed by the return of the Urim V’Tumim.
While we await that day, we can rejoice that our eternal "spiritual DNA" is our adherence to the Torah and our connection to the monotheistic faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Shabbat Shalom
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