יחזקאל, פרק מ״ה, פסוק י״ז

A heavy responsibility rests upon the leadership to ensure the proper functioning of the Temple service and its offerings during the special days of the year. The exact identity of this leader is a matter of discussion. While the primary approach among commentators views him as the High Priest, a traditional opinion cited in the name of Rabbi Menachem suggests that the title actually refers to the king [רש״י].

Regardless of his exact role, this leader is obligated to go beyond standard contributions and ensure the supply of various sacrifices. These include burnt offerings, meal offerings, and the accompanying drink offerings, which consist of wine poured upon the altar alongside the sacrifices [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

These sacrifices are required during specific times of the year, with a careful distinction made between different types of gatherings. The festivals are specifically the days when festival peace offerings are brought. In contrast, the appointed times refer to days of assembly when the people gather to come to the Temple [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. More specifically, these gatherings point to the holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur [מלבי״ם].

A question arises regarding how these offerings are funded. One perspective maintains that the leader is required to finance all of these sacrifices from his own personal wealth [מצודת דוד]. Another view explains that his duty is to facilitate the offerings using funds collected from the general public [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. In either case, the ultimate purpose of the leader's actions in providing all these sacrifices is to achieve atonement on behalf of the entire house of Israel.