Where did the high priest take the coals from on the Day of Atonement?
On the Day of Atonement, the high priest took the coals from off the altar—not the laver where he washed—and brought them inside to put them on the altar of incense, where the smoke became his protection or covering.
Les teaches that before the high priest could begin the Day of Atonement, he had to wash and wash and wash, using running water, much like a surgeon preparing for surgery. This depicted complete physical cleansing. Then he put on linen undergarments and holy garments. He took two young goats and a ram from the congregation, and first offered a bullock for his own sin, since he was a sinner. As he took the blood, he would stop at the laver for cleansing, then take coals from off the altar—not the laver—and bring them inside to put on the altar of incense, where the smoke served as his protection or covering.