There were two acts of anointments involving the Kohanim. The first anointing consecrated the Kohanim in general and gave them access to Kehunah. The second anointing was specifically for Aharon and for every Kohen Hedyot who subsequently ascended to Kehunah Gedolah. The first anointing for the Kohanim was a singular occurrence whose effect lasted forever. The anointment of the Kohen Gadol, however, was valid only for Aharon himself. Hence, each successive Kohen Gadol was to be anointed as he advanced to his new position. What is the difference between these two consecrations? Why did the anointing for Kehunah Gedolah not endure as did the other consecration?
Horav Mordechai Gimpel Yoffe, zl, distinguishes between the two positions. Kehunah was a position which was granted to every individual male born into the priestly family. Kehunah Gedolah, on the other hand, was ordained only upon the son of the past Kohen Gadol who was worthy of succeeding his father. Inheriting the Kehunah Gedolah was not automatic. If the son was not on the spiritual plane required for succeeding his father, the mantle was granted to another Kohen who was more worthy. Hence, the appointment of Kehunah Gedolah was a new one each time. The position of Kehunah Gedolah was one of leadership. Therefore, it was not subject to inheritance, but rather personal merit alone.
