Liturgy for Yoma 7:3

He handed the goat to one appointed,¹³⁵Mishnah Yoma 6:3. After the confession, the High Priest handed the scapegoat over to someone who would in turn send it to its death. This person was usually another priest although it was not necessary that he be one (See Yoma 66a). to lead it out to the harsh desert. The spiritual blemishes of the people it carried to the desert. He pushed it off the rocky cliff and it tumbled down, breaking its bones like shattered potter's ware.¹³⁶Mishnah Yoma 6:6. The goat’s bones were broken before it even reached the bottom of the cliff (Yoma 67a, Rambam 3:7). With a sharp knife he cut open the [slaughtered] ox and goat.¹³⁷Mishnah Yoma 6:7. He removed the sacrificial parts,¹³⁸These parts include the kidneys, part of the liver and certain fats which were offered on the Altar. and intertwined their limbs onto poles; and removed them to a place of burning.¹³⁹Ibid. The carcasses, their limbs now removed, were placed upon poles and would be carried outside of Yerushalayim where they would be burnt in the “burning house” (Rambam 3:7, 4:2). He read aloud from the Sefer Torah pertaining to the service of the day, then washed his hands and feet, and took off his (white) garments.¹⁴⁰Mishnah 7:3. Until now the High Priest had performed the special services for Yom Kippur, and thus wore the appropriate white garments. For the third time that day, he immersed himself in a mikvah. He then put on the golden garments and again washed his hands and feet. He immediately proceeded to sacrifice his ram, and the ram of the people.¹⁴¹Mishnah Yoma 7:3. In addition to the goat and ox which were burned outside the city, the High Priest brought two “olah” offerings, which were completely consumed upon the Altar. They consisted of two rams, one for himself (meaning that he paid for it) and one for the nation (i.e. that was brought with public funds). The entire sacrificial service of these two rams was performed at this point including the slaughter, the sprinkling of blood upon the outer Altar, the pouring of a wine libation on the Altar, and the burning of the entire animal. He burned the fats of the sin-offering,¹⁴²This refers to the fats of the goat and ox which were burnt outside Yerushalayim. The fats are the only parts which are burnt upon the Altar (Rambam 4:2). Though the Peitan only mentions the fats of the goat (which is technically considered a “sin-offering”), the fats of the ox were also burnt at this time. and sacrificed the Musaf offering.¹⁴³The Musaf-offering of Yom Kippur consisted of the following animals which are brought specially for Yom Kippur: 1) one ox 2) one ram 3) seven ewes 4) one goat “sin-offering”. The ox and ram of the High Priest are not included in this group. He dipped his hands and feet in water, then he washed them, he took off the golden garments, immersed himself; and again washed his hands and feet. He put on the white garments and entered the Holy of Holies. The vessels used for the incense offering,¹⁴⁴Ibid. The pan of coals and incense which was earlier placed in the Holy of Holies was now removed. he removed from the Holy of Holies; and again washed his hands and feet. He then took off his white garments and placed them away forever.¹⁴⁵The white garments were used only once, and then they were put away forever. He immersed himself, put on the golden garments, and washed.¹⁴⁶Mishnah Yoma 7:4. He offered up the Daily Afternoon Sacrifice, burned the Daily Afternoon Incense, and lit the candles of the Menorah.¹⁴⁷Ibid. The daily afternoon sacrifice, the Talmid shel Ben Haarbaim was the last sacrifice offered each day. The incense burned at this point was the second incense burning of the day. The final service of the day consisted of the lighting of the Menorah. The Service now completed, he washed his hands and feet.¹⁴⁸Ibid. After this, the High Priest put on his own clothes, the service of the day now having been completed. Thus performing for the day, five immersions and ten washings. The appearance of his face was like the brilliance of a sunrise.¹⁴⁹When the Divine Presence, the “Shechina” is upon a person, his face radiates like a burning fire.—Mateh Levi, from Midrash Rabbah, Yalkut Shimoni, Acharei Mos With great joy, he put on his own clothes.¹⁵⁰Mishnah Yoma 7:4 The perfect ones [Yisrael] accompanied its faithful messenger home.¹⁵¹Mishnah Yoma, ibid. “Messenger” refers to the High Priest. They rejoiced in the news that the red thread had turned white.¹⁵²Yoma 67a. The red string was attached to a rock at the opening of the sanctuary as well as to the horns of the scapegoat so that one could see it turn white when the goat was pushed over the jagged cliffs. This was a symbol that the sins of the Jewish nation had been atoned for, and was the cause for rejoicing. (See Mishnah 6:6) The Redeemer had been faithful, and enwrapped Himself in a cloak of righteousness. A great joy burst forth, happiness and rejoicing rang out. The clouds above dripped, and showered forth their dew. The furrowed fields brought forth their produce. Thanks was given by those who harvested their crop in peace. Praise was recited by those who carried the sheaves joyously. The lowliest places of the beautiful land rang out with song. God's goodness was told by all who traveled through byways. He was the hope of those who sent him, their faith was not misfounded.¹⁵³This refers to the Jewish people whose messenger was the Kohein Gadol. Their hope to him was like the coolness of snow on a hot harvest day. From their filth they were washed, from their offensive dirt they were purified. The complete and perfect ones, from a well—had cleansed their hands. To tell all, that their Purifier [God] is a source of living water. The purifying waters of Yisrael¹⁵⁴See Maseches Yoma, Mishnah, 8:9, Rabbi Akiva likens Hashem to a “mikvah”—i.e., purifying waters—of Yisrael. had cleansed them with [His] faithful waters. With purity and cleanliness, they will be cleaned and purified. They will be renewed, like the renewal of morning; from their stain, they will be polished clean. The praises of the Almighty will be spoken in their throats, on their tongues will be singing, from their mouths will come a new song. They will rejoice, with trembling and will worship with awe. The Holy One of Yisrael, Who sanctifies His holy people. To cheer, to sing, to beat the drum, and beat the cymbal; to sing songs, and to play music. Embraced, with the strength of the glorious Right Hand of God. Supported in unity, filled with righteousness, they will be drawn to enter His gates, with joy. Joy and happiness will be theirs forever. Rejoicing and celebrating in His Name the entire day, together in joy in His Presence. The splendor of their light will be like the break of dawn. They will lift their voices and sing of the greatness of Him Who is the strength of the world. Fortunate is the people whose lot is thus. Fortunate is the people for whom Adonoy is their God. And a celebration was made by the High Priest for all his loved ones, after entering the [Holy of Holies] in peace, and leaving peacefully, unharmed.

and the ram of the people.¹⁴¹Mishnah Yoma 7:3. In addition to the goat and ox which were burned outside the city, the High Priest brought two “olah” offerings, which were completely consumed upon the Altar. They consisted of two rams, one for himself (meaning that he paid for it) and one for the nation (i.e. that was brought with public funds). The entire sacrificial service of these two rams was performed at this point including the slaughter, the sprinkling of blood upon the outer Altar, the pouring of a wine libation on the Altar, and the burning of the entire animal.