A Celebration of Thanks

At the conclusion of this awesome day, after all the service was completed and the day had waned, the High Priest was accompanied by the entire multitude of worshippers back to his own home. "When the High Priest exited from the holy place unharmed, he made a celebration for his loved ones" (ibid., 4) at the conclusion of Yom Kippur - to give thanks to God that he successfully guided the service, and was neither rendered unfit nor adversely affected.

As we read in the High Holiday Prayer Book for the Day of Atonement,

"How radiant was the appearance of the High Priest,
when he exited in peace from the holy place!
Like flashes of light that emanate
from the splendor of the angels -
such was the appearance of the High Priest."