Commentary for Yoma 78:19

מיתיבי מצוה להגריל ואם לא הגריל כשר

but to place [it on the bullock's head] is not.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' This view considers the service of the high priest dependent on the decision of the lots, the decisive factor being the lots and not the formal putting of the lot on the animal's head.');">²⁰</span> R'Johanan said: Even to bring up the lot is not indispensable.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' R. Johanan considers the action of the high priest the determining factor, independent of his having either had lots or having placed them on the head. His declaration as to which animal is for the Lord and for Azazel resp., validates the service.');">²¹</span>

Explore commentary for Yoma 78:19. In-depth commentary and analysis from classical Jewish sources.