Purpose of the Service of Vayikra 16/2

The Service of Acharei Mot

Exegetical Approaches

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Atonement for the People

The main focus of the service was to achieve Atonement for all of Israel. Any part of the service that has to do with purification of the Mikdash is just a means to the ends of Atonement

Sources:R. Saadia Gaon, Rambam (Shgagot 11:9)

Purification of the Temple

The main focus of the service is to purify the Mikdash from impurity. All issues that deal with atonement are just a byproduct of rectifying the impurity in the Mikdash.

Sources:RashiVayikra 16:1Vayikra 16:2Vayikra 16:3Vayikra 16:11Vayikra 16:16Vayikra 16:23Vayikra 16:32Vayikra 16:34About R. Shelomo Yitzchaki, ShadalVayikra 16:1Vayikra 16:8Vayikra 16:16Vayikra 16:30About R. Shemuel David Luzzatto, NetzivVayikra 16:16About R. Naftali Tzvi Yehuda Berlin, Hoil MosheVayikra 16About R. Moshe Yitzchak Ashkenazi

A Greater Purpose

Both purifications of the Mikdash and Atonement for the people are only a part of a greater whole which is the real reason for the Yom Kippur service.

Sources:R. Yosef Bekhor ShorVayikra 16:1Vayikra 16:2Vayikra 16:3Vayikra 16:4Vayikra 16:5Vayikra 16:8Vayikra 16:10Vayikra 16:17Vayikra 16:32Vayikra 16:33About R. Yosef Bekhor Shor,  Ralbag