Our Gemara discusses the unique sin offerings brought by a King and a Cohen Godol. The King brings a male goat and the Cohen Godol brings a bull. These sacrifices are unlike that of a private citizen, who brings a female lamb or goat.
The Gemara also discusses what happens when the Cohen Godol and the King commit a sin subsequent to their reign or appointment. The Cohen Godol still must bring his unique offering and not that of a private citizen, while the King brings a sin offering of a private citizen.
The implication of this is that the transformation that the Cohen Godol undergoes is more fundamental. His spiritual status is elevated, and even when no longer actively serving, he remains on that higher level. The King, however, has a mandate and position that is based on office and function. When he functions as head of state, in that state, he incurs different liabilities and must bring a different sacrifice. Once he vacates the office, he is back to his old self.
We can understand this in a deeper way as follows: Since the Cohen Godol occupies a spiritual position, his service in the Temple is only an outward manifestation of a continuing lifestyle. He still serves God on a higher level after he no longer serves in the Temple. In comparison, the King has not undergone an internal transformation. His status is based on his duties and office. In other words, the Cohen Godol’s status comes from what he IS, while the King’s status is based on what he DOES.
Every person who has leadership status—a governor, a parent, a teacher, or an employer—must consider that even the highest official, the King, is only who he is by virtue of what he does. Otherwise he’s not so special. While he is to be respected, it is not for his intrinsic worth, but because of his current responsibilities. On the other hand, a person who undergoes a spiritual elevation and change in status has become someone different. Even when on the outside he may have lost certain functions or status, on the inside he remains on that higher level.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com