Mitznefet

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The High Priest in his Golden Garments wearing the mitznefet on his head. The kohen on one knee beside him is wearing the conical migbahat.

Another view of the mitznefet.

The Mitznefet is the head covering worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) when he served in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the Temple in Jerusalem.

The word has been translated as "mitre" or "headdress". It was most likely a "turban", as the word comes from the root "to wrap".

The Mitznefet worn by the High Priest was much larger than the head coverings of the kohenim (priests) and wound so that it formed a broad, flat-topped turban, resembling the blossom of a flower. The head covering of the kohenim was different, being wound so that it formed a cone-shaped turban, called a migbahat.

The tzitz (golden crown) was attached to the mitznefet by means of two sets of blue cords: one going over the top of the head and the other around the sides of the head at the level of the ears.

According to the Talmud, the wearing of the mitznefet atoned for the sin of haughtiness on the part of the Children of Israel.^[1]

[edit] Israeli Defense Forces

Israeli soldiers wearing Mitznefet helmet covers

The Mitznefet is also a covering for the infantry helmet used by the Israeli Defense Forces as of 2006. It is considerably larger than the helmet, giving the impression of a militarised chef's hat, shower cap or clown's hat. The purpose of the floppy helmet cover is to break up the distinctive outline of a helmeted head and thus assist in the camouflage of the wearer.^[2]