On Yom Kippur, we recite in our prayers the performance of the High Priest's service in the Holy Temple. It is true that today we do not have the Holy Temple, nor do we have a High Priest to perform the Holy Service there. However, it is known that the destruction of the Temple affected only the physical building, which consisted of stones, gold, and silver, but the spiritual "Holy Temple," which resides in the soul of every Jew, was not destroyed and cannot be destroyed. Therefore, it is possible to speak of a High Priest's service on Yom Kippur in relation to our "inner Holy Temple.".
This service consisted of two parts: one part of the service was to be performed by the High Priest dressed in his "golden robes," and the other part he performed in white "linen robes." The services that took place in the Temple Courtyard and in the Hall ('Heichal') were done in the "golden robes," while the services performed in the Holy of Holies ('Kodesh HaKodashim') were done in the "linen robes.""
MAKES USE OF YOUR POSSIBILITIES
What is the general reason why the Torah commanded that the Kohanim wear garments 'for honor and beauty'2 and the Kohen Gadol 'garments of gold'? Maimonides explains3 that when serving the Most High, the most beautiful and exquisite items should be used. If gold is something important in people's eyes and impresses them, it should be used for the Holy Service and worn also on Yom Kippur.
If we translate this concept to the 'Holy Temple' of our inner being, it means that a Jew must serve Hashem with all his strength and to the best of his ability. When one approaches a wealthy Jew about donating to charity, he should not reply that he has already fulfilled his duty to God through Torah study and prayer.
Do you have gold and silver? It is your duty to serve God through them and give Tzedakah! Since you have the ability, it is your obligation to use it!.
WHITE CLOTHES
In addition, when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, the Kodesh HaKodashim, he wore white garments, despite the importance of gold. The Ark and the Two Tablets of the Law were kept in the Kodesh HaKodashim, representing the revelation of the Divine. Upon entering this place, he was required to remove his 'golden garments' and put on 'white garments'.
The meaning of this is that, despite the importance of utilizing the means available to man to serve God, the use of external means cannot take the place of inner purification and sanctification. When a Jew must enter the depths of his soul, his inner 'Kodesh HaKodashim' (Holy of Holies), that place where his 'Tablets of the Law' are found, where the essential bond between him and Hashem is engraved—then he must refine and sanctify himself and come clothed in pure 'white' garments.
ALL ARE EQUAL
Let not the rich man say, "I give a lot of charity, that's enough!" Let not the community activist say, "I do great works for the good of the community, I'm content with this!" It is the duty of every Jew to sanctify and purify himself personally, to be meticulous in fulfilling the precepts of the Torah, to refine his character and instincts, and to elevate himself spiritually on a personal level. Here, in the Holy of Sanctuaries, all are equal!
When Yom Kippur arrives and a Jew wishes to unearth the depths of his soul, the Jewish essence of Divinity within, he should not worry about being unadorned. At that moment, no embellishments are required, only a pure heart and a clean mind. This is how one becomes worthy of a good and sweet year.
(Likutei Sichot Volume 2 page 411)
NOTES: 1.See HaIom Yom 21 of Tammuz. 2.Shemot 28:2. 3.Moré Nebujim Part 3 Ch. 45,