Leviticus 16

This week’s double Torah portion begins with proportion that is read in the Shacharit service of Yom Kippur. It is story of the Yom Kippur service in the temple, and it is the basis for the entire Mishnah Yoma, as well as the Talmud, tractate Yoma. The portion outlines the method that Israel and the Kohayn Gadol must use for atonement on Yom Kippur.

The term atonement is often misunderstood, and therefore often misused. Atonement is not forgiveness, it is not redemption, it is not salvation. Atonement may lead to all of these, but atonement itself is none of these.

Here then is the question; if Israel, or someone, brings an offering, as an atonement for sin, is Hashem required to forgive them of the sin? Is Hashem required? This seems to be ridiculous question. Hashem is not required to do anything, much less forgive anyone. Who then, does Hashem forgive? The answer is simple, Hashem forgives anyone he wishes to forgive. Hashem may forgive someone that brings an offering, Hashem may forgive someone who does not bring an offering. Forgiveness and mercy are qualities of the Holy One, Blessed Be He. How Hashem applies his mercy and grace is completely up to Hashem and his Will alone.

What then is a sacrifice of atonement? What purpose does serve? And what does it do? If Hashem is not acquired to forgive someone sin. If they bring anatomic sacrifice, then what is the purpose of the sacrifice? The answer is central to the understanding of the nature of atonement. The sacrifice of atonement is an act of obedience and contrition. The sacrifice acknowledges Hashem’s sovereignty, control, and mastery of the entire universe. This is the definition of atonement; atonement is an act acknowledging Hashem as our sovereign G-d. When atonement has been made, we have brought a sacrifice in OB’s and contrition, that we accept Hashem’s on the pit power over us and the entire universe.

Israel takes a day to obey and commemorate the sacrifices contrition acknowledging Hashem’s majestic sovereignty over us. We sing Avinu Malkeinu, our father, our King, and we remember and commemorate the sacrifices from this week’s Torah portion, as an act of obedience and a demonstration of our understanding that Hashem rules over all the earth. Shabbat shalom.