To bring additional offerings on Yom Kippur

The Yom Kippur musaf sacrifices were brought alongside the singular avodah of the Kohen Gadol (see Mitzvah 400). Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:10) codifies these offerings: a bull, ram, seven lambs as olot, and a goat as a chatat, in addition to the tamid and the day’s special sin offerings.

Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 310) explains the musaf reflected Yom Kippur’s themes of mercy and atonement, sanctifying the day through communal korbanot. The Talmud (Yoma 70b) details how the musaf was integrated with the High Priest’s service, showing that all of Israel joined in atonement. Rashi (Num. 29:11) notes that this goat was distinct from the two goats of the special avodah, yet it deepened the day’s expiation. Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 21:6) connects these offerings to Israel’s renewal after sin, like angels restored to purity.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:10): Codifies the structure of the Yom Kippur musaf.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 310): Teaches musafim sanctify the day with communal expiation.
• Talmud (Yoma 70b): Links musaf to the avodah of the Kohen Gadol, extending atonement.
• Rashi (Num. 29:11): Distinguishes musaf goat from the two central Yom Kippur goats.
• Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 21:6): Interprets offerings as Israel’s renewal, becoming like angels.

Contrast with Rosh Hashanah Musaf (Mitzvah 388):

• Judgment vs. Forgiveness: Rosh Hashanah musaf accompanied Divine judgment and the proclamation of kingship (Rambam, Hilchot Temidin uMusafin 8:9; Talmud Rosh Hashanah 16a). Yom Kippur musaf, by contrast, accompanied forgiveness and purification (Sefer HaChinuch 310).
• Tone of Awe vs. Mercy: Rosh Hashanah emphasized awe (yirah), as seen in the shofar and musaf together (Rashi on Num. 29:1). Yom Kippur emphasized mercy and expiation, reflected in its musaf goat (Rashi on Num. 29:11; Midrash Rabbah Vayikra 21:6).
• Placement in the Calendar: Rambam explains Rosh Hashanah sacrifices came at the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, opening the period of judgment. Yom Kippur musaf concluded them, sealing mercy and forgiveness (Hilchot Teshuvah 2:7).

Parallel to Yom Kippur Avodah (Mitzvah 400):

• Communal vs. Singular Service: The musaf was brought communally, while the two goats of the Avodah were unique to the Kohen Gadol. Both worked in tandem (Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim 1:2; Talmud Yoma 70b).
• Binding Heaven and Earth: Talmud (Yoma 70b) emphasizes that musaf offerings, combined with the Kohen Gadol’s sprinklings inside the Kodesh, united communal atonement with the sanctuary’s purification.
• Community and Sanctuary: Ramban explains the musaf elevated the community at large, while the Avodah purified the sanctuary and the innermost service (Ramban on Num. 29:11). Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra 21:6) compares Israel on Yom Kippur to angels, renewed in both body and Temple.