May 4, 2024 · כ" ניסן תשפ״ד
Parashat Acharei Mot · פרשת אחרי מות
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA Parshat Acharei Mot, which means, "after the death (of Aharon’s sons)," primarily focuses on the laws and rituals surrounding Yom Kippur, our holiest day of the year. It begins with instructions to Aharon, the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), regarding how on Yom Kippur he should approach Hashem in the Kodesh Hakodashim (inner sanctuary of the Holy of Holies). Yom Kippur was the only day that Aharon entered the Kodesh Hakodashim and only Aharon was allowed to go in. The parsha continues with the detailed procedures for offering korbanot (sacrifices) and purifying himself before entering the Kodesh Hakodashim.
The most famous korban of the Yom Kippur Avodah was the korban of the Shnei Hasi’irim. Two identical goats were placed in front of Aharon, and then Aharon would do a lottery to determine their future. One goat was brought as a korban, this was called the Sa’ir LaHashem. The other goat was brought to Aharon who would lean on it, which symbolized that all of the aveirot (sins) of Bnei Yisrael would symbolically be transferred onto the goat. Then the goat was sent away to the desert, symbolizing separating ourselves from our aveirot. This second goat was known as the Sa’ir La’azazel (the Scapegoat).
ONE BIG IDEA
Parshat Acharei Mot concludes with reminders about not following in the negative ways of the Mitzrim (Egyptians) who we previously lived near, and the Kina’anim who Bnei Yisrael will eventually live with when they enter Eretz Yisrael. Hashem reminds Bnei Yisrael to follow and live in the ways of the Torah. The parsha ends by discussing in great detail the types of people who are and are not allowed to be married.
In parshat Acharei Mot, we learn of the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, who died after offering a korban (Sacrifice) that they were not allowed to bring. One powerful lesson we can draw from this story is the importance of responsibility for our actions. Nadav and Avihu, though well-intentioned, acted against the Torah’s rules for korbanot. This serves as a reminder that even our best intentions must always be guided by the wisdom and rules of the Torah.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 7:36pm Havdalah: 8:36pm allah: 5:25pm