The Mishna in Yoma teaches us that the Sanhedrin would choose a woman for the Kohen Godol to marry on Yom Kippur just in case his current wife passed away before performing the Yom Kippur sacrifices. The source of the halacha is in Parshas Acharei Mos, in which is says, “The Kohen must confess his sins and the sins of his home.” Chaza”l understand that the word “home” in the passuk refers to the Kohen Godol’s wife. We learn from here that the Kohen Godol must be married in order for the Yom Kippur service to be valid.

Rabbi Aharon Dovid Singer
Rosh Kollel, NMB Kollel
305-972-6508 * [email protected]