In the first of this week’s two Torah portions, Acharei Mot, the Torah describes the service of the High Priest on Yom Kippur. One of his tasks is the offering of a sin-offering, about which it says he will "...effect atonement for himself and for his household..."
What is meant by "his household"? The Sages explain: "His household – this refers to his wife." From here, the halacha (law) is learned that the High Priest serving in the Temple on Yom Kippur must be married.
This law requires explanation: Yom Kippur is an extremely holy day. The High Priest had to prepare for this day through special separation and purification. Seven days before Yom Kippur, he would separate from his home in order to elevate himself in purity and holiness. Why then is it necessary that he be specifically married?
The Essence of the Home
We also need to understand why the High Priest's wife is referred to in the verse as "his household" (beito) and not simply as "his wife."
This teaches not only the law that he must be married, but also highlights the special quality of the wife — being his "household."
This can be understood based on the statement of Rabbi Yossi: "In my life, I never referred to my wife as 'my wife'... rather, I called my wife 'my home.'"
Rashi explains that Rabbi Yossi called his wife "his home" because "she is the foundation (ikar) of the home."
This statement is mentioned as part of a series of descriptions of Rabbi Yossi’s refined behaviors and carefulness. What is the special significance of calling one’s wife "my home"?
The Divine Purpose
Rabbi Yossi’s practice reflects his unique perspective. He saw in everything in the world its ultimate purpose and reason for being.
Not only did he recognize that there is a Master of the universe and that the world exists to serve the Creator, but he viewed every aspect of creation through the lens of its divine mission.
From this perspective, he saw his wife as his "home." The entire purpose of marriage is to establish a home within Israel and to raise a new generation.
In his view, there was no separation between the essence of something and its purpose. Thus, he regarded his wife according to her ultimate role — "his home," a Jewish home where the next generation would grow.
The High Priest’s Level
This is what the Torah hints at by stating that on Yom Kippur the High Priest must effect atonement "for himself and for his household."
It is not only teaching that he must be married, but that he must reach such a lofty spiritual level that he sees everything according to its divine purpose — and accordingly, he sees his wife as "his home."
On Yom Kippur, the High Priest is required to ascend to the highest level of perfection, where he no longer sees worldly matters as they appear externally, but rather from the viewpoint of their divine purpose.
When he reaches this spiritual height, he is capable of effecting atonement for the Jewish people and bringing down divine blessing for a year of abundance and blessing.
(from the teachings of the Rebbe, Likutei Sichot, vol. 77, translated from Sichat HaShevua)
