Yoma

Is it not hence that there is no iniquity which he bears except that concerning levitical uncleanness which has been declared inoperative in its general rule whenever a community sacrifice is involved, and the difficulty remains for R. Shesheth?1 Concerning this matter the Tannaim differ,2 for it has been taught:3 The front plate effects pardon4 whether it be on the high priest's forehead or not; these are the words of R. Simeon. R. Judah said: As long as it is on his forehead it effects pardon, if it is not on his forehead, it does not effect pardon. R. Simeon said to him: The case of the high priest on the Day of Atonement proves [your contention wrong], for the plate5 is then not on his forehead and yet it effects pardon — R. Judah answered him: Leave the case of the high priest on the Day of Atonement alone, for to him, because the community is concerned ,6 the law of uncleanness has been rendered inoperative. Hence it is to be inferred that according to R. Simeon7 the law of uncleanness is only suspended in case of a community.8 Abaye said: If the front plate was broken there is no conflicting opinion, all agreeing that it effects no pardon . The dispute concerns only the case when it is hung up on a peg, R. Judah holding, And it shall be upon the forehead [of Aaron] and he shall bear,9 whilst R. Simeon bases his opinion on, And it shall be continually upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.10 Now what does ‘continually’ mean? Shall I say that it shall indeed be continually on his forehead? How is that possible? Must he not enter the privy11 occasionally, must he not sleep at times?11 Rather must it all imply that [the front plate] ‘continually’12 effects pardon. According to R. Judah,13 does not Scripture say ‘continually’?14 — That word implies that he should never dismiss it from his mind;15 this is in agreement with Rabbah son of Huna, for Rabbah son of Huna said: A man is obliged to touch his tefillin16 every hour. This may be learned by inference ad majus from the front plate. and wears simple linen. here.