To follow the procedure of Yom Kippur in the sequence prescribed in the Torah
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This Mitzvah's Summary
The High Priest must perform the Yom Kippur service exactly as prescribed, in the proper order.
This mitzvah commands the Kohen Gadol to perform the unique Yom Kippur service (Avodat Yom HaKippurim) as detailed in Leviticus 16. It includes offering the bull for atonement, the goat for Hashem, the scapegoat (se’ir la’azazel), entering the Holy of Holies with incense, sprinkling blood, and concluding offerings. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim 1:1) stresses that any deviation invalidates the service.
Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 185) teaches that this mitzvah establishes a once-yearly purification of Israel and the Mikdash. The Talmud (Yoma 32a–34a) outlines the precise order, emphasizing that omissions or reversals invalidate the avodah. Rashi (Lev. 16:3) explains “with this” as denoting exact procedure. Ramban adds that Yom Kippur’s avodah symbolizes renewal of the covenant, where Israel and Hashem are reconciled.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Avodat Yom HaKippurim 1:1): The service must follow the Torah’s order; deviation invalidates.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 185): Explains its purpose: to purify Israel and the Mikdash yearly.
- Talmud (Yoma 32a–34a): Lays out the precise sequence and stresses its indispensability.
- Rashi (Lev. 16:3): Interprets “with this” as an exacting command.
- Ramban (Lev. 16:3): Frames the service as covenantal renewal.
Contrast with Yom Kippur Musaf (Mitzvah 389):
- Mitzvah 389 commands bringing musaf offerings of Yom Kippur; Mitzvah 400 commands the unique Kohen Gadol avodah.
- Rambam distinguishes communal korbanot (musaf) from the singular High Priest service (Avodat Penim).
- Talmud (Yoma 70b) explains that both complement each other: the musaf elevates Israel as a nation, while the Kohen Gadol purifies the Mikdash.
Parallel to Daily Service (Mitzvah 373):
- The tamid (daily offerings) establish continual service, while Yom Kippur avodah is singular, yearly, and purificatory.
- Ramban highlights that Yom Kippur service elevates above the daily, reaching the Holy of Holies, once per year, uniquely.
- Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 21:6) calls Yom Kippur the “day of oneness,” paralleling daily offerings but transcending them.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- Rambam (Avodat Yom HaKippurim 1:1) emphasizes that the Temple is the focal point of atonement, and only here can the service take place. Ramban (Lev. 16:3) highlights the avodah restores the Mikdash to purity once a year.
Kohanim – כֹּהֲנִים
- Talmud (Yoma 32a) states only the Kohen Gadol may perform this service. Sefer HaChinuch (185) stresses this exclusivity elevates the Kohen Gadol as Israel’s representative.
Sacrifices – קָרְבָּנוֹת
- Talmud (Yoma 34a) outlines the bull, goat, and ram offered. Rambam notes each element purifies either the people or the Mikdash, uniting korbanot with atonement.
Mizbeach – מִזְבֵּחַ
- Rashi (Lev. 16:18) teaches that blood sprinkling on the altar symbolizes cleansing of Israel’s sins. Ramban adds this parallels purging impurity from the nation.
Ketoret – קְטֹרֶת
- Talmud (Yoma 53a) explains the incense cloud in the Holy of Holies was essential; without it, the service was invalid. Rambam stresses this symbolizes Divine presence.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Sefer HaChinuch (185) describes Yom Kippur avodah as renewing holiness for Israel annually. Ramban ties this kedushah to covenant renewal.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Rashi (Lev. 16:3) notes that the strict order instills awe; any deviation renders the service invalid. Talmud (Yoma 32a) underscores that this demanded immense fear of Heaven.
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam and Ramban explain the avodah required faith in Hashem’s decrees — Israel trusted the High Priest’s actions brought forgiveness.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Talmud (Yoma 70b) teaches that the Kohen Gadol confessed on behalf of all Israel. Sefer HaChinuch highlights the communal nature of atonement.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Ramban (Lev. 16:3) emphasizes that this mitzvah is purely Bein Adam L’Makom — atonement before Hashem through exact obedience.
