Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of sending the goat to Azazel in Leviticus 16:26?
A: The goat sent to Azazel (the 'scapegoat') was part of the Yom Kippur service in the Temple. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 67b), this goat symbolically carried away the sins of the Jewish people to a desolate place, representing complete removal of transgressions. The word 'Azazel' refers to a steep, rugged mountain in the wilderness where the goat was sent.
Q: Why did the person who sent the goat to Azazel need to wash his clothes and bathe?
A: The Torah requires purification after handling the scapegoat because it became spiritually impure by bearing the sins of the people. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim 3:7) explains that this teaches us the seriousness of dealing with sin and the need for spiritual cleansing after such a sacred but weighty task.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 16:26 today?
A: The verse teaches us about the importance of spiritual purification and taking responsibility for our actions. Just as the Kohen (priest) needed to cleanse himself after performing this mitzvah, we too must engage in teshuvah (repentance) and strive for purity in our lives, especially during the period leading up to Yom Kippur.
Q: Why couldn't the person return to the camp immediately after sending the goat?
A: The Torah commands that he first had to wash and purify himself before re-entering the camp. The Midrash (Torat Kohanim) explains this teaches that one must not bring impurity into holy spaces. Even when performing important mitzvot, we must maintain proper spiritual hygiene before approaching kedushah (holiness).
Q: Is there any connection between this verse and modern Yom Kippur observances?
A: While we no longer have the Temple service, the themes remain relevant. The scapegoat ritual teaches about transferring and atoning for sins. Today, we fulfill this through viduy (confession), teshuvah, and the spiritual cleansing of Yom Kippur. The washing reminds us to prepare ourselves properly before approaching Hashem in repentance.
Verse Context: The Yom Kippur Service
This verse (Vayikra 16:26) describes the purification process for the individual who escorts the se'ir la'Azazel (the scapegoat) into the wilderness on Yom Kippur. The Torah mandates that he must wash his clothes and immerse in water before reentering the camp, similar to the purification required for those who handle sacrificial offerings or come into contact with impurity.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Vayikra 16:26) explains that the requirement to wash clothes and bathe stems from the fact that the scapegoat carries the sins of Israel, rendering the handler spiritually affected. Though the goat is not a sacrifice, its role in atonement creates a quasi-sacred status, necessitating purification. Rashi also notes that this immersion is required before reentry into the camp, emphasizing the transition from a state of heightened spiritual responsibility back to ordinary life.
Rambam's Perspective
In Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim (3:7), the Rambam codifies this law, stating that the escort must immerse and wash his garments just as the Kohen Gadol does after performing parts of the Yom Kippur service. This underscores the principle that those involved in sacred rites—even in a secondary capacity—must undergo purification.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Torat Kohanim 16:26) elaborates that the immersion serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal. Just as the scapegoat removes sin from the people, the escort's immersion symbolizes personal cleansing from the weight of communal transgression. The requirement to wash clothes (external garments) before flesh (the body) hints at the need to rectify outward actions before addressing inner purity.
Halachic Implications