YOM KIPPUR/5765

Leviticus 16:1-34; 18:1-30

Numbers 29:7-11

Isaiah 57:14-58:4

Jonah

We begin this portion after the death of Aaron’s two sons.  Aaron, the High Priest was to perform the rituals of the day.  He cast lots for the two goats, one for the altar and one to be sent to Azazel (wilderness).  The High Priest who is serving at that time performed this function.  This is done to cleanse Himself and the people of G-d (Jews and all those who have attached themselves to G-d and to the Jewish nation) of their sins.

Today, there are many rituals of service, prayer of repentance and seeking G-d’s mercy.  On this day, fasting is for an entire day.  No eating and no drinking, as long as there one has no medical restriction.  Also, on Yom Kippur, we do not wear leather, have no marital relations, and have restrictions on washing of one’s body.  All these are taken from the biblical command to afflict our soul, to humble ourselves.  (Numbers 29:7) On the tenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation and you shall humble yourselves.

This day is also set-aside for the VIDUY/Confession.  We declare that HaShem knows all, hidden and revealed.  Nothing escapes Him.  Therefore, we bring our confessions to Him.  The list is long and seemingly endless; yet they are important.  We are written in the Book of Life by the Word of our High Priest, Yeshua. (Hebrews 1:3) When He made purification of sins.  (Hebrews 3:1) Consider Yeshua, the sent One (apostle) and High Priest of our confession.

This season is a reminder that we need to take care each year, each day, not to fall unto works of evil and unbelief.  We must take care not to fall away from the Living G-d.  Let us, therefore, choose life and not death.  Let this year be a year of commitment to HaShem, assured of G-d’s rest and walk in holiness as the Scripture enjoins us.

Have an easy fast.  Have a joyous festival on the feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles).  Some day soon, the whole world will celebrate the King, Messiah, sitting on the throne of David

Shanah Tova and Shavuah Tov

Rabbi Z

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