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It is interesting to note that the Torah places emphasis upon the Kohen Gadol’s crown. The Kohen Gadol had neither sovereignty nor power over Bnei Yisrael. His mission in life was to be Bnei Yisrael’s “agent” in the Bais Hamikdash by offering the korbanos and to be Bnei Yisrael’s preeminent teacher and spiritual mentor. It is, therefore, enigmatic that the Torah stresses his crown. In contrast, the Melech Yisrael, Jewish king, who was charged with ruling the people and did have jurisdiction over them, is not portrayed as having a crown. The only demand placed upon the king was that…

The Kohen Gadol’s position was passed on to his son after his death. The Talmud in Yoma 72b states that this halacha was not applicable to a Kohen Gadol who had been anointed specifically to lead Bnei Yisrael into war. The Mashuach Milchamah, the special Kohen Gadol who had received his position only for the purpose of leadership in battle, did not bequeath the kehunah gedolah, high priesthood, to his son. The Chofetz Chaim z.l. was once asked to decide a din Torah regarding a Rav of a community who had passed away. The members of the community chose to…

It seems peculiar that the Torah twice refers to the copper altar, which was situated outside of the “Heichal,” as “kodesh kodoshim.” This is in contrast to the altar of incense , which was placed opposite the Aron Hakodesh and is described merely as “kodesh.” Horav Moshe Feinstein, z.l., suggests the following homiletic interpretation. The placement of the altars, inside or outside, symbolizes the Torah scholar when he is inside or outside of the Bais Hamidrash. A Torah scholar should be cognizant that while he is “holy” in the Bais Hamidrash, he must be “doubly holy” when he leaves this…