ויקרא, פרק ח׳, פסוק ו׳

The transition of Aaron and his sons from ordinary individuals to sacred servants of the Tabernacle begins with a profound process of physical and spiritual purification. After receiving the instructions earlier, the moment of practical execution finally arrives.

The initial step of drawing the priests near carries different meanings. It can be seen as a physical movement, where Moses brings them to the washbasin [אבן עזרא], or to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, a detail perhaps left unsaid because the entire congregation was already gathered there [רד צ הופמן]. Conversely, this drawing near may not have been physical at all. Since Aaron was already present, the action represents a spiritual elevation and readiness to fulfill the commandment [מלבי״ם].

When it comes to the act of washing, there is a question of whether Moses personally bathed them. Some explain that he did not wash them with his own hands, but rather instructed them to wash and immerse themselves [אבן עזרא, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Although Aaron and his sons are mentioned together, their purification did not happen at the exact same time. Moses first directed the washing of Aaron, followed by his dressing and anointing, and only afterward did he attend to the sons [רמב״ן, הטור הארוך].

The exact nature of this washing is a matter of discussion. One perspective suggests it was simply the sanctification of their hands and feet using water from the washbasin [אבן עזרא]. However, the primary approach among commentators is that this required a complete immersion of the entire body in a ritual bath [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ, רד צ הופמן]. This view is supported by the specific language used, which points to full immersion rather than a standard washing [מלבי״ם, רד צ הופמן].

While it is uncertain if this full immersion took place directly inside the Tabernacle courtyard, it undoubtedly occurred in a holy location. Following their complete immersion, Aaron and his sons also washed their hands and feet, a mandatory practice for all future priestly service [מלבי״ם, רד צ הופמן]. In this moment of deep purity, they achieved a lasting state of holiness and were spiritually prepared for the unique immersions that would be required of them on the Day of Atonement [אדרת אליהו].