Priestly sash

The priestly sash or girdle (Hebrew אַבְנֵט‎ avnet) was part of the ritual garments worn by Jewish high priests who served in the Temple in Jerusalem.

The "sash" or "girdle" worn by the High Priest was of fine linen with "embroidered work" in blue, purple and scarlet (Exodus 28:39, 39:29); those worn by the priests were of white, twined linen.

Like the other priestly vestments, the purpose of the sash was "for glory and for beauty" (Exodus 28:41).

According to Rabbinical literature, Midrash and Maimonides, the sash was 32 cubits long and 2, 3 or 4 fingers wide.

[citation needed] According to the Talmud, the wearing of the sash atoned for "sins of the heart" (impure thoughts) on the part of the Children of Israel.

The High Priest wearing the sacred vestments, the ends of the Avnet are shown in red hanging at his feet. The kohen on one knee beside him is wearing the avnet wound around his waist.