Devar/5770/Acharei-mot-Kedoshim
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עברית
English
And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats: one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for Azazel (Lev 16:8)
The goat which is sent (into the wilderness), brings atonement for all transgressions against the Torah, whether light or serious, whether transgressed on purpose or by accident, whether one knew about them or not -- the sent goat brings atonement for all of them. But that is only if one repented; however, if he did not repent then the sent goat only brings atonement for the light sins. (Laws of Repentance 1:6)
The two goats mentioned in our verse should be very similar: The two goats of the Day of Atonement -- the proper fulfillment of the commandment is that they be alike in appearance, in height and in cost, and they should be taken at the same time (Laws of the Atonement Day Service 5:10). As indicated in the verse, each is chosen for its task by means of lots. One might ask why one may not choose one of the goats for a task, and in any case his fellow will fulfill the other?
It seems to me that God is teaching us a main principle in justice. When two people come to court, the judge is required to treat them both equally. He cannot prefer one, or show mercy -- rather, both should be equal in his eyes until he renders the judgment. So too on the Day of Atonement. Even though the judgment was rendered on Rosh Hashanah, it is suspended until the end of the Day of Atonement -- lest the sinner repent, and be forgiven his trespass. We do not know the final verdict until that moment, and we must internalize that our fate is truly suspended by a hair, and only true repentance can annul an evil decree.
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