ויקרא, פרק כ״א, פסוק י׳

The pinnacle of the priesthood demands absolute devotion, elevating a person entirely beyond the circles of personal grief and mourning. As the representative of the national ideal and supreme holiness, the High Priest must transcend his private emotions to serve as a constant symbol of life and perfection. He is chosen from among his brothers, expected to be greater and more esteemed than the other priests in five key attributes: physical beauty, strength, wealth, wisdom, and a dignified appearance [רבנו בחיי, תורה תמימה, הירש]. If he lacks personal wealth, his fellow priests are obligated to enrich him from their own means. This ensures he remains financially independent, allowing his mind to be completely settled and focused on his sacred service [מלבי״ם, תורה תמימה, אילת השחר]. Yet, the emphasis on his selection from among his brethren teaches that he is not a separate species or a disconnected elite, but rather a regular person who has been elevated from within the community [אלשיך].

His unique status is established in two ways: through the pouring of anointing oil on his head, and through his official appointment to wear the eight special garments of the High Priesthood [שטיינזלץ, שפתי כהן]. The primary approach among commentators explains that both methods are mentioned to account for the High Priests of the Second Temple era. Because the original anointing oil was hidden away and unavailable during that time, a priest could achieve full sanctity simply by wearing the required garments [פרדס יוסף, אלשיך, הופמן]. Whether he was anointed or wore the garments for even a single day, he becomes permanently bound by all the laws of the High Priesthood [מלבי״ם, אדרת אליהו].

There is a direct parallel between his consecration and his restrictions. Because the holy oil was poured upon his head, he is forbidden from letting his hair grow wild, and because he was ordained to wear the holy garments, he is forbidden from tearing them [אברבנאל]. These specific prohibitions dictate that he may not grow his hair or rend his garments as signs of mourning [רש״י, חזקוני]. This stands in sharp contrast to ordinary people, who naturally express their grief through these very actions [גור אריה]. Furthermore, while a regular priest is only subject to such restrictions while actively serving in the Temple, the High Priest is viewed as standing constantly before God. Therefore, these prohibitions apply to him at all times, even outside the Temple and even when he is not in a state of mourning [רלב״ג, מזרחי, הופמן].

Regarding the prohibition against tearing his clothes, commentators differ on whether this ban is absolute. One approach maintains that the High Priest may not tear his garments under any circumstances. Another perspective argues that while he may not tear the top of his shirt near the collar as ordinary mourners do, he is permitted to tear the lower hem near his feet [תורה תמימה, מלבי״ם, אדרת אליהו]. This specific method of tearing from the bottom carries a deep symbolic meaning, indicating that in the spiritual world of the High Priest, there is never a descent, only constant upward elevation [רבנו בחיי]. Ultimately, the High Priest is required to represent the life and joy that flow directly from a close relationship with God. Consequently, he is strictly forbidden from carrying any symbols of death, loss, or decay on his body or his clothing [הירש].