Reference for Zevachim 38:23
(שמות ל, כ) להקטיר אשה למה לי
What is Rabbi's reason? - Because it is written, When they approach [the altar to minister].<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Ex. XXX, 20. Each time the priest 'approaches' the altar he must wash his hands. At daybreak there is a new approach since the altar has to be freshly arranged with new wood; therefore he must wash his hands again.');"><sup>27</sup></span> What is R'Eleazar son of R'Simeon's reason? - Because it is written, When they enter [into the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water].<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Ibid. As long as he is engaged on the sacrifices there is no new entry.');"><sup>28</sup></span> And the other too? surely it is written, When they enter! - If 'when they approach' were written and not 'when they enter' I would say that for every single approach [sanctification is necessary];<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Even in the same day.');"><sup>29</sup></span> therefore the Divine Law wrote, 'when they enter.' And the other too? surely it is written, 'when they approach'! - If 'when they enter' were written and not 'when they approach'. I would say that [they must wash] even for a mere entrance.<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Without officiating.');"><sup>30</sup></span> 'For a mere entrance'! surely it is written, 'to minister'? - Rather, 'when they approach' is required for R'Aha son of Jacob's [ruling]. For R'Aha son of Jacob said: All agree with respect to the second 'sanctification,' that [the priest] performs this sanctification when he is clothed,<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' The changing of the garments by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement was preceded by immersion, and the immersion was preceded and followed by 'sanctification'. All agree that the second 'sanctification' is done after the priest has donned the robes into which he was to change. v. Yoma 32b.');"><sup>31</sup></span> for Scripture saith, 'or when they approach': he who lacks nothing but the approach [washes his hands and feet]; hence he who has yet to clothe himself and then approach is excluded. What is the purpose of, to cause an offering made by fire to smoke?<span class="x" onmousemove="('comment',' Ibid. That too is enumerated as one of the purposes for which the priest must wash. But it is surely obvious, as it is included in the clause, 'when they approach the altar to minister'.');"><sup>32</sup></span>