Honoring the Sabbath With Clean Garments and Adam's Tunics of Skin

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Toldot 12:1

"So may God give to you" (Genesis 27:28). Let our master teach us: is it permitted for a person to fold his garments on the Sabbath? Thus our Rabbis taught: One may fold garments even four or five times, and one may make up the beds from the eve of the Sabbath for the Sabbath, but not from the Sabbath for the night following the Sabbath. And concerning these garments they said that one may fold any garment whatsoever in order to wear it on the Sabbath; but to wear it after the Sabbath, it is forbidden to fold them on the Sabbath. And garments that are folded by two people, it is forbidden; but a single person is permitted to fold one, and he need not be concerned. For a person must honor the Sabbath with his clothing, as it is said, "And you shall call the Sabbath a delight" (Isaiah 58:13). And by what does Israel honor the Sabbath? By food, and by drink, and by clean clothing. For from the beginning the Holy One, blessed be He, did so, as it is said, "And the LORD God made for Adam and for his wife tunics of skin, and clothed them" (Genesis 3:21). What are "tunics of skin"? [Garments] of the High Priesthood, with which the Holy One, blessed be He, clothed them, for he (Adam) was in the glory of the world.

Themes

Biblical References