daf bit: Yoma 6

[cellio]

This week we begin tractate Yoma, which is principally concerned with Yom Kippur. The first mishna begins the discussion of the high priest's preparation: seven days before Yom Kippur he is to be removed from his house and reside with counselors (we'll learn more about them later); in addition, a backup priest is prepared lest anything happen to make the high priest unable to perform his duties; and similarly, a backup wife is prepared for the high priest lest his wife die during the week, because it is written "he shall make atonement for himself and his house" -- "house" means his wife. (Why minor children, if he had any, wouldn't quality even if his wife died is not addressed.)

Today's daf finds us in the midst of a discussion of the removal of the high priest from his home. Why is this? Lest he have relations with his wife and they discover afterward that her monthly cycle had begun -- this makes him ritually impure, disqualifying him for the service. (Knowingly having relations at that time is a transgression, but even accidents have consequences.) (mishna 2a, g'mara 6a)

Comments

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

A backup wife. *giggles immaturely*