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This shall be to you an eternal decree to bring atonement upon the Bnei Yisrael for all their sins once a year. (16:34)

The phrase, “once a year,”  underscores the significance of Yom Kippur.  We find a similar idiom regarding the festival of Succos. The Torah declares, “You shall celebrate it as a festival for Hashem, a seven-day period in the year” (Vayikra 23:41).  It seems that these two Yamim Tovim, festivals, distinguish themselves in that their hashpaah, spiritual influence, is to endure for “the year.”  Horav Mordechai Ilan, zl, notes that this idea applies only to Succos and Yom Kippur.  The parallel that exists between them is that the avodas Hashem, service to the Almighty, which is intrinsic to these festivals is…

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Aharon shall place lots upon the two he-goats; one lot “for Hashem,” and one lot “for Azazel.” (16:8)

Chazal teach us that both he-goats must be equal in height, appearance and value.  There can be no difference between these two animals other than their ultimate end, which is determined by the lots.  Al HaTorah offers a thoughtful exposition of this equality.  Human nature dictates  that people spend money on many personal and secular pursuits.  Regardless of the price, people always find the money to spend on themselves.  For some it is the theater; for others, sports-related amusements;  or, for still others, trips that spare no expense, money is always available.  Then there are those humanitarians who feel they…

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Hashem spoke to Moshe after the death of Aharon’s two sons… And Hashem said to Moshe: Speak to Aharon, your brother… (16:1,2)

The Midrash says that Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu to speak words of consolation to Aharon to help ease his period of bereavement.  He was told to use the phrase found in Yeshaya (40:2), “Speak to the heart of Yerushalayim,” which were the Navi’s words of nechamah, consolation, to Yerushalayim following the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash and ensuing exile.  We must endeavor to understand the meaning of the words, “speaking to the heart”.  What was Moshe to convey to Aharon HaKohen?. Horav Mordechai Rogov, zl, explains that the Navi’s  words of consolation to Klal Yisrael are meaningful in the context…

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