ויקרא, פרק ט״ז, פסוק ל״ב

Following the detailed instructions for the Yom Kippur service originally given to Aaron, a vital principle is established: this is not a one-time event but an eternal law. The inner service and the profound atonement of this day must be performed in every generation by a legally appointed High Priest [רשב״ם, באור ישר, מלבי״ם, העמק דבר, הופמן]. The mandate applies to any valid High Priest, even if his biological father did not hold the position before him [תורה תמימה].

There are two distinct ways a High Priest can be sanctified and inducted into his role. The first method is through physical anointing with sacred oil by a prophet or a court, an act that formally elevates him above a regular priest [רש״י, רמב״ן, אבן עזרא, בכור שור, שטיינזלץ, רש״ר הירש, הופמן]. The second method is a process of investiture, granting authority through practical initiation and the donning of the eight special garments of the High Priesthood [ספורנו, מזרחי, שפתי חכמים, מלבי״ם]. These are alternative options rather than a combined requirement [מלבי״ם, אילת השחר]. The primary approach among commentators is that this separation accommodates historical reality. From the days of King Josiah onward, the sacred anointing oil was hidden away. Consequently, subsequent High Priests were inaugurated solely by wearing the designated garments [רש״י, רמב״ן, פני דוד, פרדס יוסף, מלבי״ם, הופמן].

The succession of the High Priesthood generally follows the principle of inheritance, granting the son of a High Priest priority over any other candidate [רש״י, מזרחי, רלב״ג, שטיינזלץ]. However, this right of succession is not absolute. The son takes precedence only if he truly fills his father's place in terms of character and reverence for God. If he is found unworthy, another priest is appointed in his stead [מזרחי, תורה תמימה, גור אריה, רש״ר הירש, ברכת אשר]. Some commentators view this conditional inheritance as the foundational source for a broader rule that all positions of authority in Israel are passed down to sons, provided they are morally fit [ברכת אשר, רש״ר הירש]. Alternatively, the concept of succeeding a father can be understood more broadly, viewing Aaron as the spiritual father of all future High Priests, regardless of their actual lineage [באור ישר].

To perform the innermost service of Yom Kippur, the High Priest must set aside his usual eight garments of glory and instead wear simple, white linen clothing [אבן עזרא, רלב״ג, באור ישר]. Even the second set of linen garments, which he wears later in the afternoon simply to retrieve the pan and censer from the Holy of Holies, must be fully dedicated and proper, despite being of lesser value than the morning set [מלבי״ם, אדרת אליהו]. On a conceptual level, setting aside the magnificent garments—which represent moral perfection—in favor of plain linen reflects a deep recognition of the people's flaws. It symbolizes a humble yearning for purity as the High Priest stands before God seeking atonement [רש״ר הירש].