Clothed in the Atonement By: Rabbi Raphael   The Hebrew Roots of “Garment” and “Atonement” and the Problem of the Sleeveless Garment I. Introduction Throughout Scripture, sacred clothing is inseparably tied to divine protection, covenant identity, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Garments, ranging from the skins provided to Adam and Eve to the priestly vestments of Aaron, served as more than mere clothing; they symbolized God's covering of humanity's sin and shame. In Hebrew, the connection is embedded within the language: the terms for garment (katonet, כֻּתֹּנֶת ) and atonement (kaphar, כפר ) share the same root, both signifying the concept of covering. Analyzing the linguistic and doctrinal relationship elucidates why sacred vesture in the Restoration, particularly the temple garment, transcends considerations of comfort or convenience. The inquiry emerges: do contemporary modifications such as sleeveless designs maintain or diminish the garment's histori...