Question: How was the Kohen Gadol - Jewish High Priest - inaugurated in biblical times?
Dear Rabbi Enkin,
My name is Daniel and I have a question about the office of High Priest of the Jewish temple of biblical days. I recently heard that there was a special ceremony involving baptism and recitation when the office of High Priest was passed on. Can you tell me anything about this ceremony and describe how successors to the office were chosen? Thank you for your time.
Daniel
Answer: Dear Daniel,
The inauguration/anointing of the new Kohen Gadol (High Priest) was originally performed by him being anointed with a special oil for this purpose.
From the period of King Josiah and onwards - the oil was no longer used, and the High Priest was confirmed by him merely donning the clothes of his office.
For more on this, be sure to look up the Torah portion Acharei Mot with commentaries. (Leviticus 16-20)
The method of selecting the Kohen Gadol varied throughout history, ranging from legitimate succession to buying and bribing one's way to the job.
Rabbi Ari Enkin
Ramat Beit Shemesh, Israel
