Page 34 - HaMizrachi Australia Rosh HaShana Yom Kippur 5781

YAMIM NORA’IM READING

Rabbi Menachem Leibtag

Kapara

L OOKING FORW ARD

s the Day of Atonement a precise understanding, one that looks for- People even though they may be
translation for Yom Kippur? In ward to the coming year as well, based stiff-necked.
IEnglish, the word “atonement” on the first time we find the word kip-
th
implies amends for certain wrongdo- purim in the details of the dedication As Yom Kippur, the 10 of Tishrei,
ing. In this sense, the Day of Atone- ceremony of the Mishkan (Shemot marks the anniversary of G-d’s dec-
ment implies expiation for transgres- 29). laration of His attributes of Mercy,
sions we may have committed over and the re-establishment of the Cov-
the course of the previous year. How- Before the Priests could begin their enant, it is only fitting that on this day
ever, in Chumash, we find numerous daily service in the Mishkan, there we remind ourselves of this special
instances in which the word kippu- was a need for a seven-day inaugural privilege, that G-d continues to dwell
rim is used in a very different con- ceremony where the blood of a sacri- in our midst, even though we may
ficial ram was sprinkled upon them. not always be perfect. Symbolically,
text.
In a similar manner, the blood of a the High Priest entering the Holy of
For example, in Bereishit, when G-d sacrificial bull was sprinkled on the Holies on this day reflects our desire
commands Noach to build the ark, we mizbayach. In the summary verses, to remain His loyal servants. How-
find the very first use of this shoresh this act of sprinkling the blood is ever, to show G-d that we need ‘pro-
(ר-פ-כ), suggesting it implies a sort of referred to as kippurim (see 29:36). tection’ – as we may not be worthy of
protective covering: “you shall coat this encounter – the High Priest must
it from within in and out with ‘kofer’ This suggests that before the Priests perform a symbolic act of kapara (see
– pitch.” In Shemot (16:4), the Torah can begin their service of G-d in the Vayikra 16:16).
employs this same root to describe Mishkan, they require some sort of
the manna covering the ground like protection. Most likely, this ‘protec- As every Jew is a member of this
frost. Later in Shemot (25:17), the tion’ is necessary as G-d’s Shechi- Priestly nation, we serve G-d not only
special lid for the Ark of the Cove- nah will dwell in the Mishkan. This in His Temple but also in our daily
nant is named the “kaporet” – ת ֶ רֹ ּ פ ַּ כ. encounter with G-d is quite danger- lives by keeping His commandments.
While the typical Biblical word for ous, for a human who is not worthy of Therefore, at the beginning of every
a covering is ה ֶ ס ְ כ ִ מ, this special name this encounter may deserve immedi- year, we must not only ask G-d for
ת ֶ רֹ ּ פ ַּ כ highlights its protective nature, ate death. forgiveness for our transgressions of
for the keruvim on this kaporet are the previous year, but we must also
protecting the Ark (the symbol of our In fact, in the aftermath of the Sin of prepare ourselves for the spiritual
Covenant with G-d) – just as they the Golden Calf, G-d warned Moshe challenges that will face us in the
protect the ‘path to the Tree of Life’ that He can no longer dwell among year that now begins, showing our
in Gan Eden (see Bereishit 3:24 and this stiff-necked nation, due to their gratitude to G-d for His attributes of
Mishlei 3:18). rebellious nature. Had Moshe Rabe- Mercy that enable our relationship to
inu not interceded on their behalf,
Therefore, when Vayikra (23:27) the special covenant between G-d remain eternal. Hence, Yom HaKip-
informs us that the 10th day of the and Am Yisrael would have been purim serves as a very fitting name
seventh month is Yom HaKippurim, broken forever. However, in light of for this holiday, as our worthiness to
there must be something ‘protective’ Moshe Rabbeinu’s famous prayer (see remain His People begins with our
about that special day! This simplest Shemot 33:12-19), G-d establishes a humble recognition that we may not
understanding might be that this new Covenant, this time including always be so worthy.
day protects us from punishment for the option of Mercy and Forgiveness Rabbi Menachem Leibtag is an interna-
our sins of the previous year. How- for wayward behavior, thus enabling tionally acclaimed Tanach scholar and
ever, one could suggest a different G-d’s Shechinah to dwell among His online Jewish education pioneer.

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