Shabbat Mebarechim Hachodesh
Prepared by Rabbi Stephen Texon
After being held in suspension during the great Festival of Passover, we return this Shabbat to the regular weekly Torah portion of "Acharei Mot". After the tragic deaths of Aaron's 2 sons who were slain because of violating G-d's laws sacrificial procedure, the Torah portion proceeds to discuss the unique duties of the High Priest on Yom Kippur and indeed all of our own duties and obligations in the service of Hashem on Yom Kippur. It is very detailed as we read it, as is indeed the entire book of Leviticus regarding ritual practice.
We are are a Holy People, and this will be reiterated again in next week's portion of "Kedoshim", as we are instructed to (as much as possible) "imitate" G-d in word and deed. We are to be explicitly different from the heathen practices of the Egyptians and the Cannanites of the day who engaged in rampant sexual perversions and even bestiality. Physical and moral PURITY are the key words this week and next week regarding our conduct in all of our relationships.
Finally, regarding the Yom Kippur rituals, there is one very fascinating description of the "Scapegoat Service" that is central to Yom Kippur, whereby 1 of 2 goats is selected to literally carry off/remove the grievous sins of the Israelites.
This goat was randomly selected and was to be escorted into the wilderness and then set free. We will discuss the symbolism of this and it's implications at services this Shabbat morning, G-d willing.
Shabbat Shalom!
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