שמות, פרק כ״ט, פסוק כ״ט

Passing the mantle of the High Priesthood from one generation to the next does not require the complex, one-time initiation ceremony originally performed for Aaron and his sons. Instead, continuity is established through the transfer of the holy garments. The very act of wearing these sacred clothes qualifies the succeeding priest for his elevated role. The instruction to pass these garments to future descendants does not apply to all priests, as ordinary priests are forbidden from wearing the eight specific garments reserved for the High Priest. The primary approach among commentators is that this refers exclusively to the specific son in each generation who inherits the highest office following his father's passing [אבן עזרא, רש״י, רלב״ג]. Additionally, this directive extends to the priest specially appointed to lead the people into battle. Holding a rank just below the High Priest, he is permitted to wear these garments in order to seek guidance from God through the Urim and Thummim [תורה תמימה].

There is a difference of opinion regarding how the new priest is anointed through these garments. The primary approach among commentators [רש״י, רשב״ם, מזרחי] explains that this does not refer to a physical anointing with oil, as the clothes themselves are not anointed. Rather, it is a conceptual expression of authority, greatness, and elevation. The garments serve to elevate the priest, granting him a status of true leadership. In contrast, other scholars [רמב״ן, רלב״ג, רש ר הירש] understand the process quite literally, maintaining that the succeeding priest is physically anointed with holy oil while he is actively wearing these sacred garments.

The ultimate purpose of wearing these garments is to fully ordain the new priest and prepare him for service in the Temple. The clothes serve as the essential tool through which he assumes his position. As long as he wears them, the authority of the High Priesthood rests upon him, but without them, he is considered an outsider who is strictly forbidden from performing the service [רש״י, שפתי חכמים, שטיינזלץ]. Beyond merely marking his appointment, wearing these garments exempts future generations from having to bring the numerous initiation sacrifices that were required of Aaron. The inherent holiness and merit of the garments actively influence the new priest. They guide his hands to perform the intricate Temple service correctly, protecting him from making errors or failing in his sacred duties [ספורנו, העמק דבר].