Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of the two goats in Leviticus 16:8?
A: In Leviticus 16:8, the two goats are part of the Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) service. One goat is designated 'for Hashem' and is offered as a sacrifice, while the other is 'for Azazel' and is sent away into the wilderness. This symbolizes atonement—one goat represents devotion to G-d, and the other represents the removal of sins (Rashi on Leviticus 16:8).
Q: Why did Aharon cast lots for the goats?
A: Aharon cast lots to determine which goat would be 'for Hashem' and which would be 'for Azazel.' This ensured that the selection was made fairly and without human bias, showing that the atonement process was directed by Divine will (Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Yom HaKippurim 3:1).
Q: What does 'Azazel' mean in Leviticus 16:8?
A: The term 'Azazel' refers to a steep, rocky cliff in the wilderness where the goat was sent. According to Jewish tradition, this act symbolizes the complete removal of the people's sins (Yoma 67b). Some commentaries also connect it to the idea of casting away wrongdoing (Rashi on Leviticus 16:8).
Q: How does the Yom Kippur goat ritual apply today?
A: Although we no longer have the Temple service, the lessons of Yom Kippur remain. The two goats teach us about repentance—turning to G-d ('for Hashem') and actively distancing ourselves from sin ('for Azazel'). Today, we achieve atonement through prayer, fasting, and sincere teshuvah (repentance) (Mishnah Yoma 8:9).
Q: Why was one goat sacrificed and the other sent away?
A: The two goats represent two aspects of atonement: the sacrificed goat ('for Hashem') shows dedication to G-d through service, while the goat sent to Azazel represents the removal of sin from the community. Together, they symbolize complete spiritual cleansing (Vayikra Rabbah 21:9).
The Two Goats on Yom Kippur
The verse describes the central Yom Kippur ritual involving two identical goats, upon which lots were cast to determine their respective roles. This procedure is detailed in Vayikra (Leviticus) 16:8-10, where one goat is designated "for Hashem" as a sacrifice, while the other is sent "for Azazel" into the wilderness.
Rashi's Explanation of the Lots
Rashi (Vayikra 16:8) explains that the two goats had to be identical in appearance, size, and value to emphasize that their fates were determined solely by Divine will through the lottery. The Kohen Gadol would place one lot on each goat, declaring one "for Hashem" and the other "for Azazel." This ensured impartiality, as human choice played no role in the selection.
The Meaning of "Azazel"
The term Azazel is subject to various interpretations in traditional sources:
Symbolism of the Two Goats
The two goats represent the dual nature of repentance on Yom Kippur:
The Role of Aharon as Kohen Gadol
The verse emphasizes that Aharon, as the Kohen Gadol, personally conducted the lottery. The Midrash Rabbah (Vayikra Rabbah 21:9) teaches that this ritual underscores the Kohen Gadol's role as an intermediary between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem, facilitating their atonement on the holiest day of the year.