Daily Zohar # 4638 – Acharei Mot – The purification process in Yom Kippur

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Hebrew translation:

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Zohar Acharei Mot
Continued from previous DZ
#197
All the books that are open before Him and written before Him, all these sins, He absolves them and purifies them from all of them. As it is said, “From all your sins before YHVH, you shall be purified.” Before, YHVH means directly, referring to the Light emanating from the face of YHVH, which is the radiance of Chokmah, which atones for all sins. Those who recite this verse say it only up to the words “before YHVH,” and no more, for only the High Priest, has the authority to say the word “you shall be purified” as he performs the service and unifies the Holy Name with his mouth. And when he unifies the Holy Name, and it becomes blessed through his mouth, that voice, which is Zeir Anpin, descends and strikes it, and the word is illuminated the word in the mouth of the High Priest, and he says, “תִּטְהָרוּ” “You shall be purified.” He performs his service, and all the remaining upper levels are blessed.

Notes:
This Zohar discusses the atonement and purification process in Yom Kippur. On this day, all sins are brought before God, symbolized by the “open books.” Purification from sins is associated with the direct radiance of God’s face, specifically the Light of Chokmah, which is understood to bring atonement.
The phrase “before YHVH” refers to this direct connection with the supernal Light. Purification from sins can only be declared by the High Priest, who has the unique role of uniting the holy Name through his prayers and service. When the High Priest speaks the sacred words, Zeir Anpin responds, and the power of the words is made manifest. This unification allows for the purification and blessing of both the High Priest and the upper levels.

#198
Afterward, he washes his body and sanctifies his hands to enter another sacred service until he prepares himself to enter a higher, holier place than all others, which is the Holy of Holies. Three groups surround the High Priest: his fellow priests, the Levites, and the rest of the people—all corresponding to the three lines: the priest and Levite represent the right and left lines, and Israel corresponds to the middle line. They lift their hands over him in prayer, and a golden cord is tied to his foot in case he dies in the Holy of Holies so that they can pull him out with that cord. They all stand in their place and do not follow him.

Notes:
This passage describes the ritual actions of the High Priest as he prepares to enter the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. He performs additional purification by washing his body and sanctifying his hands before approaching this most sacred space. The High Priest is surrounded by three groups—priests, Levites, and Israelites—symbolizing the three lines of the Tree of Life (right, left, and center).
The people pray over him to ensure the success of his service. The golden rope tied to his foot represents a precautionary measure; should he perish in the Holy of Holies due to some spiritual failing, the rope allows the people to retrieve him without entering the sacred space themselves. 

#199
He (the High Priest) walks three steps, and everyone remains in their place, not following him. He takes another three steps, encircling his position, then walks another three steps, closing his eyes and connecting above. When he enters the place he enters, which is the Holy of Holies, he hears the sound of the cherubim’s wings, singing and beating their wings spread above. When he offers the Ketoret (incense), the sound of their wings ceases, and they remain joined in silence.

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