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The Two Goats of Yom KippurTANAKH
The Two Goats of Yom Kippur
TANAKH
The ritual of the two goats on Yom Kippur, one for יהוה and the other for Azazel, is a profound and symbolic act of atonement. The book of Leviticus describes how Aaron, the High Priest, performed specific actions to cleanse and make amends, including sending the goat to the wilderness for Azazel.
Unveiling Azazel's EnigmaCOMMENTARY
Unveiling Azazel's Enigma
COMMENTARY
The interpretation of Azazel as a spirit or demon, one of the fallen angels, offers a fascinating parallel to figures in Greek and Latin mythology. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores the cryptic and explicit interpretations by medieval commentators Ibn Ezra and Nahmanides on the concept of Azazel in Leviticus.
The Binding of AzazelMIDRASH
The Binding of Azazel
MIDRASH
The fallen angel Azazel played a significant role in the corruption of mankind and was severely punished for his deeds. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, offers a rich narrative that weaves together various Midrashic and Talmudic sources to expand on biblical events and characters.
The Lineage of the NephilimCOMMENTARY
The Lineage of the Nephilim
COMMENTARY
The Nephilim, mysterious beings mentioned in Genesis, are linked to other biblical figures and traditions, offering a deeper understanding of their lineage and actions. The 14th-century Kitzur Ba'al HaTurim commentary by Rabbi Jacob ben Asher connects the Nephilim to Sihon and Og, descendants of Shamhazai and Azazel, and describes their dramatic fall during the Flood.
Azazel and the Sins of the Flood GenerationTALMUD
Azazel and the Sins of the Flood Generation
TALMUD
Azazel is linked to the ancient sins of Uzza and Azael, whose actions led to widespread sin during the generation of the Flood. The Talmudic teaching from Rabbi Yishmael's school explains the atonement role of Azazel in relation to these ancient sins.
The Power of AzazelKABBALAH
The Power of Azazel
KABBALAH
Azazel's power is linked to a specific, inaccessible location, preventing him from accusing Israel in settled areas. The Zohar, a foundational Kabbalistic text, explores the scapegoat ritual of Yom Kippur, where a goat is sent to Azazel, symbolically carrying away the sins of Israel.
The Mystical Significance of AzazelCOMMENTARY
The Mystical Significance of Azazel
COMMENTARY
The kabbalistic interpretation of Azazel reveals its connection to Samael (Satan) and the deeper spiritual significance behind the ritual of the scapegoat on Yom Kippur. Rabbi Chaim ibn Attar’s 18th-century commentary, Or HaChaim, delves into the etymology and mystical aspects of Azazel, providing a profound understanding of this Yom Kippur ritual.
The Scapegoat and Yom KippurMUSAR
The Scapegoat and Yom Kippur
MUSAR
The scapegoat ritual on Yom Kippur plays a crucial role in silencing negative forces and preventing Satan from accusing Israel. Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz’s 17th-century work, Shenei Luchot HaBerit, delves into the mystical and ethical significance of the scapegoat ritual, highlighting its importance in the Yom Kippur service.
The Mystical Meaning of AzazelCOMMENTARY
The Mystical Meaning of Azazel
COMMENTARY
The term עזאזל (Azazel) in the Yom Kippur ritual is interpreted as reflecting the concept of Satanic forces being rooted in the Divine. Rabbeinu Bahya's commentary on Leviticus 16:7:4 delves into the mystical and allegorical meanings of Azazel, suggesting it alludes to the evil urge or Satan in its most potent form.
From Azazel to ScapegoatCOMMENTARY
From Azazel to Scapegoat
COMMENTARY
The term 'Azazel' has a fascinating etymological journey that transformed into the English word 'scapegoat,' revealing a rich historical and linguistic evolution. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores the origin of 'Azazel' from the Yom Kippur ritual in Leviticus 16 and its transformation through William Tyndale's translation efforts.
The Scapegoat RitualHALAKHAH
The Scapegoat Ritual
HALAKHAH
The ritual of the scapegoat on Yom Kippur involves intricate laws of impurity and purity that reflect deeper spiritual processes. In his Mishneh Torah, Maimonides details the specific conditions under which the person who sends the goat to Azazel becomes impure and subsequently pure.
The Crimson Thread of AtonementGUIDES
The Crimson Thread of Atonement
GUIDES
The ritual of the crimson thread tied to the goats on Yom Kippur holds deep symbolic significance and connects to other important rites in Jewish tradition. Adin Steinsaltz explores the intricate details and symbolism of the Yom Kippur ritual involving the goats and the crimson thread.
The Yom Kippur LotteryMISHNAH
The Yom Kippur Lottery
MISHNAH
The Yom Kippur ritual involving the two goats, one for God and one for Azazel, is a fascinating and intricate ceremony central to the atonement process. The Mishnah, an early third-century codification of Jewish law, details the specific roles and phrases used by the High Priest and others during this ritual.