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Leviticus 16:33 - High Priest's sacred purification duty

Leviticus 16:33 - ויקרא 16:33

Hebrew Text

וְכִפֶּר אֶת־מִקְדַּשׁ הַקֹּדֶשׁ וְאֶת־אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד וְאֶת־הַמִּזְבֵּחַ יְכַפֵּר וְעַל הַכֹּהֲנִים וְעַל־כָּל־עַם הַקָּהָל יְכַפֵּר׃

English Translation

and he shall make atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting, and for the altar, and he shall make atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation.

Transliteration

Vechiper et-mikdash hakodesh ve'et-ohel mo'ed ve'et-hamizbe'ach yechaper ve'al hakohanim ve'al-kol-am hakahal yechaper.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִפֶּר֙ אֶת־מִקְדַּ֣שׁ הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ וְאֶת־אֹ֧הֶל מוֹעֵ֛ד וְאֶת־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ יְכַפֵּ֑ר וְעַ֧ל הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים וְעַל־כׇּל־עַ֥ם הַקָּהָ֖ל יְכַפֵּֽר׃
וְכִפֶּר֙ אֶת־מִקְדַּ֣שׁ הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ וְאֶת־אֹ֧הֶל מוֹעֵ֛ד וְאֶת־הַמִּזְבֵּ֖חַ יְכַפֵּ֑ר וְעַ֧ל הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים וְעַל־כׇּל־עַ֥ם הַקָּהָ֖ל יְכַפֵּֽר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Vayikra (Leviticus)

This verse (Vayikra 16:33) appears in the Torah portion of Acharei Mot, which details the Yom Kippur service performed by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The verse summarizes the comprehensive atonement achieved through the Avodah (Temple service) on this holy day, covering the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the altar, the Kohanim (priests), and all of Klal Yisrael (the Jewish people).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi explains that the repetition of the verb "וְכִפֶּר" ("and he shall make atonement") emphasizes that each component requires its own distinct kaparah (atonement). The Kohen Gadol must atone separately for:

  • The Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies)
  • The Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting)
  • The Mizbeach (Altar)
  • The Kohanim
  • The entire congregation of Israel

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim (Laws of the Yom Kippur Service 1:2), the Rambam elaborates that this verse establishes the Kohen Gadol's obligation to perform kaparah for all these elements in a specific order. The sequence reflects descending levels of holiness - beginning with the most sacred space (Kodesh HaKodashim) and concluding with the people.

Talmudic Insights (Yoma 57b-58a)

The Talmud discusses how the atonement process functions differently for each component:

  • For the Mikdash and its vessels - kaparah comes through the sprinkling of blood
  • For the Kohanim - through the bull offering (par) and confession
  • For the people - through the goat designated for Hashem (se'ir laHashem)

Midrashic Interpretation (Torat Kohanim 16:33)

The Midrash teaches that this all-encompassing atonement demonstrates how Yom Kippur serves as a "reset" for the entire Jewish people and their relationship with the Divine. The inclusion of both the physical sanctuary and the people shows that spiritual purity requires both proper worship spaces and proper conduct among the nation.

Chassidic Perspective (Sefat Emet)

The Sefat Emet notes that the verse's structure hints at the interconnectedness of all elements - when the holiest space is purified, it elevates the entire system down to the people. This reflects the concept that the Jewish people are a "mamlechet kohanim" (kingdom of priests), intrinsically connected to the Mishkan's sanctity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 57a
The verse is discussed in the context of the High Priest's atonement service on Yom Kippur, particularly regarding the order of atonement for different parts of the sanctuary.
📖 Shevuot 14a
Cited in a discussion about the atonement process and the different elements that require atonement according to the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'make atonement' mean in Leviticus 16:33?
A: In Leviticus 16:33, 'make atonement' (וְכִפֶּר) refers to the process of purification and forgiveness achieved through the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) service. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma), the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) performs special sacrifices and rituals to cleanse the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the altar, the priests, and the entire Jewish people from sins, restoring their relationship with Hashem.
Q: Why is the atonement for the sanctuary, altar, and people mentioned together in this verse?
A: The verse connects the atonement for the sanctuary, altar, priests, and people to teach that spiritual purity is interconnected. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:1-2) explains that sins affect not only individuals but also the sacred spaces where Hashem's presence dwells. The Kohen Gadol's service on Yom Kippur addresses all these levels, emphasizing collective responsibility and the need for communal repentance.
Q: How does Leviticus 16:33 apply to Jews today without the Temple?
A: Although the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) no longer stands, the message of Leviticus 16:33 remains relevant. The Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 18a) teaches that prayer, repentance (teshuva), and charity (tzedakah) replace the sacrificial atonement process. On Yom Kippur, we focus on these mitzvot to achieve forgiveness, as the verse reminds us of the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing and connection to Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of the Kohen Gadol atoning for 'all the people' in this verse?
A: The inclusion of 'all the people' highlights the unity of the Jewish nation in seeking atonement. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 21:4) teaches that the Kohen Gadol represents the entire community, and his service benefits everyone—even those unaware of their sins. This underscores the idea of collective responsibility (areivut) in Judaism, where each Jew is connected to the spiritual state of the whole nation.