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Numbers 28:30 - Atonement through goat offering?

Numbers 28:30 - במדבר 28:30

Hebrew Text

שְׂעִיר עִזִּים אֶחָד לְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

and one kid of the goats, to make atonement for you.

Transliteration

Seir izim echad lechaper aleichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

שְׂעִ֥יר עִזִּ֖ים אֶחָ֑ד לְכַפֵּ֖ר עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃
שְׂעִ֥יר עִזִּ֖ים אֶחָ֑ד לְכַפֵּ֖ר עֲלֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Explanation of the Verse

The verse "שְׂעִיר עִזִּים אֶחָד לְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם" ("and one kid of the goats, to make atonement for you") refers to the sacrificial offering of a goat as part of the atonement process. This concept is deeply rooted in the Torah's system of korbanot (sacrifices), particularly in the context of communal or individual repentance.

Traditional Sources and Interpretations

  • Rashi (Bamidbar 28:22): Rashi explains that the שעיר עזים (goat) serves as a חטאת (sin offering) to atone for unintentional sins. He notes that this offering is distinct from other sacrifices, as it specifically addresses transgressions requiring kaparah (atonement).
  • Rambam (Hilchot Teshuva 1:2): The Rambam emphasizes that while sacrifices play a role in atonement, true repentance (teshuva) is essential. The goat serves as a physical representation of one's commitment to return to Hashem, but sincere remorse and resolution are indispensable.
  • Talmud (Yoma 67b): The Gemara discusses how the שעיר עזים was part of the Yom Kippur service, where it was designated as the "scapegoat" (שעיר המשתלח) to symbolically carry away the sins of Bnei Yisrael into the wilderness.
  • Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 9:7): The Midrash teaches that the goat's blood, sprinkled in the Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies), served as a powerful means of achieving kaparah, illustrating the gravity of repentance and Divine mercy.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

The שעיר עזים represents the idea that atonement requires both external action (the offering) and internal transformation (teshuva). The goat, a common animal, signifies humility—teaching that one must approach repentance with a contrite heart. Additionally, the communal aspect of this offering highlights the collective responsibility of Klal Yisrael in maintaining spiritual purity.

Contemporary Relevance

While the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) is not standing today, the lessons of this verse remain vital. The concept of kaparah through sincere repentance endures, as emphasized in tefillah (prayer) and tzedakah (charity), which serve as substitutes for sacrifices in our times (Hoshea 14:3, Talmud Berachot 17a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'one kid of the goats, to make atonement for you' mean in Numbers 28:30?
A: This verse refers to a sin offering brought on Rosh Chodesh (the new month) to atone for the Jewish people. The goat serves as a korban (sacrifice) to seek forgiveness for sins, as explained by Rashi and the Talmud (Chullin 60b).
Q: Why was a goat specifically chosen for atonement in this verse?
A: The goat was commonly used for sin offerings because it symbolizes bearing the weight of wrongdoing. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 5:6) teaches that goats have a connection to atonement, as seen in the Yom Kippur service with the 'scapegoat.'
Q: How does this verse apply today when we no longer bring sacrifices?
A: Although we don’t bring sacrifices today, the Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 1:3) teaches that prayer, repentance, and charity now replace korbanot (sacrifices). The lesson remains that atonement requires sincere effort to correct our ways.
Q: What is the significance of atonement in Jewish tradition?
A: Atonement (כַּפָּרָה) is central to Judaism, as it allows us to repair our relationship with Hashem after sinning. The Talmud (Yoma 85b) emphasizes that true atonement requires remorse, confession, and a commitment not to repeat the sin.
Q: Why does the Torah mention atonement in connection with Rosh Chodesh (the new month)?
A: Rosh Chodesh is a time of renewal, and the atonement offering reminds us to spiritually renew ourselves each month. The Kli Yakar explains that just as the moon renews itself, we too must seek forgiveness and improve ourselves regularly.