The High Priest

Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest in Israel. He was succeeded by his eldest (surviving) son, Eleazar. The high priest (Heb. hakkohen, "the priest," hakkohen haggadol, "the great Priest") had the highest position in the Israelite hierarchy. Like a king in his coronation the high priest also was anointed. He wore special garments, had a crown, and a breastplate which contained the urim and the thummim. He entered the holy of holies in person on Yom Kippur to make atonement for the sins of his own house as well as the sins of the nation.