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Yom Kippur as Purification

Rabbi Reuven Taragin

Day of purification Shaarei Teshuva (1:9) and Mesilat means committing) ourselves fully to
Yesharim (Chapter 17, Midat Hatahara) Hashem. Even a small chatzizah (sep-
hough we generally associate explain that tahara is about motivation. aration) renders the ‘immersion’ com-
Yom Kippur with atonement, It is not just about what we do, but why pletely meaningless.
its central thematic verse we do it. Tahor people are motivated by
Tpresents tahara (purification) fear of G-d and wisdom as opposed to
as its goal: “For on this day shall atone- personal desire. The return to ourselves
ment be made for you, to cleanse you; On a deeper level, the purification
from all your sins shall you be clean This helps us understand why the process is actually a return to our true
before Hashem” (Vayikra 16:30). On Yom Rambam (Teshuva 7:3) believes that and natural selves. Man is created by
Kippur, Hashem atones for our sins to teshuva is not only necessary to address Hashem ‘breathing’ a pure holy soul
purify us. This explains the request we only sin, but also improper character into him. We need look no further than
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make of Hashem in each of our Shabbat traits. Purification is not just about inside ourselves to find Hashem’s holi-
ָ
and Yom Tov prayers: ך ּ ְד ְב ָע ְל ּונ ֵּב ִל ר ֵה ַט ְו correcting particular actions, but more ness. When we do so, we return to Him
ת ֶמ ֱא ֶּב, “purify our hearts to serve You broadly about personal improvement. and facilitate the regeneration of our
in truth.” natural holy soul. As we recite each
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Yom Kippur purifies both the Beit How we purify morning: “My G-d, the soul You gave me is
HaMikdash and the Jewish people. This The conclusion of the Yom Kippur verse pure… You blew it into me and You preserve
is why the Yom Kippur Torah readings – ‘titharu’ – commands us to purify it within me…”
from Parashat Acharei Mot are about the ourselves. The Kohen Gadol makes a Yom Kippur is the time when this
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Beit HaMikdash in the morning (chapter point of reminding us of this responsi- self-purification is most possible and
16) and the Jewish people after Mincha bility at the height of the Yom Kippur
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(chapter 18 ). atonement service. When the people powerful. Let’s do our best to take full
advantage of the opportunity.
prostrated themselves in response to
The damage of sin his utterance of G-d’s sacred name in
his viduyim (confessions), he directs the 1
We are, of course, familiar with tahara Chapter 18 describes sexual sins as defiling us
as ritual purity. What does it mean in word ‘titaharu’ to them. He tells them (verses 20, 23, and 24). The next verses (25–30)
describe how these sins defile the Land as well.
that it is not enough to observe the
the personal spiritual context? See also Bamidbar 35 which depicts murder as
Kohen’s purification service. We need defiling the Land.
Understanding spiritual purity hinges to purify ourselves. When we do so,
on recognizing that sin defiles us. Sin is Hashem completes the process for us. 2 This explains the centrality of purity to Yom
not just wrong and punishable, it also Kippur ritual which can be seen in the need for
Scan here to join impacts who we are. Mitzvah fulfillment Purifying ourselves is easier said than tevila (10 times by the Kohen Gadol and customarily
performed by all males before Yom Kippur) and
Rabbi Taragin’s sanctifies; transgression defiles. done. How do we do it? The Mishna the custom to wear white.
daily Divrei Torah at the end of Masechet Yoma gives us
WhatsApp group Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin (Nefesh direction by describing G-d Himself as 3 See also Or HaChayim (Vayikra 11:43).
Hachayim 2:8) compares sin to the the proverbial mikveh through which we 4 See Shaarei Teshuva (2:14, 4:17) who sees this
consumption of unhealthy foods. Just are meant to purify ourselves. Hashem phrase as the basis of the unique obligation to do
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as the former damages physical health, is totally disconnected from all sin and teshuva on Yom Kippur.
so the latter damages spiritual health. defilement. By reconnecting with Him, 5 Shaarei Teshuva (2:14) summarizes the process.
In addition to the spiritual plane, the we return to a state of purity. Like the 6 See Rambam Mikva’ot (11:12) who also uses
Gemara in Yoma (39a) depicts how Kohen Gadol who immerses himself 10 mikveh immersion as a model for personal purifi-
sin damages even one’s intellectual times over the course of Yom Kippur cation. Shaarei Teshuva 4:17 speaks also of teshuva
as necessary for tahara. Obviously, purification is
capacity. 3 and then enters the cloud of Hashem only possible once we have distanced ourselves
(created by the ketoret) within the holi- from and atoned for our sins.
The goal est part of Hashem’s sanctuary, we also 7 D’rush L’Shabbat Shuva.
are meant to immerse ourselves in our
“Create for me a pure heart, O G-d; and connection with Hashem. 6 8 Bereishit 2:7 with Rashi and Ramban.
A member of renew a steadfast spirit within me”
the Mizrachi After elaborating on this notion, the 9 Orot Hateshuvah 15:10.
Speakers Bureau (Tehillim 51:12). Maharal emphasizes that, just like Rabbi Reuven Taragin is Educational Director
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mizrachi.org/ David Hamelech taught that the heart, immersion in an actual mikveh, we only of Mizrachi and Dean of the Yeshivat HaKotel
speakers spirit, and soul must be purified. achieve tahara by connecting (which Overseas Program.

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