This evening we discuss the beginning of our Torah portion, Acharei Mot, which presents the Avodah (sacrifices and rituals performed by the Kohein HaGadol - High Priest - in the Temple on Yom Kippur), as the vehicle for achieving atonement from God for the sins of the Jewish People. We establish, through a conversation between God and Abraham, that our recital of this service every year on Yom Kippur afternoon, brings it to life as if we are actually performing these actions ourselves. And we analyze the central and most astonishing feature of this service - the Seir HaMishtalei'ach, the sent-away goat, sometimes translated as the scapegoat. We present the explanation of Maharal (Rabbi Yehuda Lowe of Prague) that this is a dramatic expression of the deepest truth of Yom Kippur, the essence of our identity before God, which makes possible God's forgiveness.

Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship.

Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on:

YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/adathyoutube

Instagram: #adathmichael

Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha:

Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches1

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches3Stitcher: https://tinyurl.com/miningtheriches4

Please contact Rabbi Whitman ([email protected]) with any questions, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.