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The Kohen Gadol and Hakarat HaTov By Yakov Abrahams ('22)

2021/5781

VeHaKohen HaMashiach Tachtav MiBanav Ya’aseh Otah Chak Olam LaShem Kalil Taktar,” “And so shall the priest, anointed from among his sons to succeed him, prepare it; it is the Lord’s—a law for all time—to be turned entirely into smoke” (VaYikra 6:15).

In Darash Moshe, Rav Moshe Feinstein explains the Pasuk as follows. There are two Korbanot Minchah which can be brought only by a Kohen. One type is offered by a Kohen the first time he performs the Avodah and by the Kohen Gadol when he assumes his new position. The other, the Kohen Gadol brings every day. 

The offering brought by a regular Kohen his first day on the job is called Minchat Chinuch, induction meal-offering, while that brought by the Kohen Gadol his first day in office is referred to as Minchat Chavitin,  a pan meal-offering. The offering of the Kohen Gadol was named after the flat pan that the Kohanim bake it in, known as a Machavat. 

Explains Rav Moshe, it is important to note that everyday the Kohen Gadol serves in the Beit HaMikdash, he brings the very same Korban that he brought on his first day in office, the Minchat Chavitin. This is to remind the Kohen that despite the fact that he was granted a very prestigious position by HaShem, he must treat it as a new gift everyday, and accordingly brings the same Korban that he brought on his first day in office. Although HaShem granted the gift to him and his descendants, it is theirs to keep only if they are worthy. 

Even if the Kohen Gadol isn’t deposed by Beit Din - an unusual occurrence - HaShem may cause him to be demoted by bringing upon him blemishes, contamination, or death. Although one can trick his fellow men into thinking that he is righteous, one cannot deceive HaShem. The Kohen Gadol must constantly make himself deserving of the gifts that HaShem bestows upon him.  

We learn that just like the gift of the Kohen Gadol is renewed every day, so too any Brachah or gift that HaShem gives must be continually earned and the beneficiary must contemplate it and demonstrate gratitude for it everyday.