The answer is: Day of Atonement

Lev 16

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is a profound occasion in Jewish tradition, steeped in significance. It stands out as the only day in the year when the High Priest was permitted to enter the Holiest Place within the Temple, where the Ark of the Covenant resided—a box believed to be God's dwelling place among the people. This act exemplified the most intimate connection between humanity and the divine.

Did you know that the rituals carried out on this day included a unique ceremony involving two goats? One was sacrificed, while the other was symbolically burdened with the community's sins and then led into the wilderness, thus earning the nickname "scapegoat." The symbolism of this practice holds deep meaning, illustrating the concepts of burden-bearing and communal responsibility.

Interestingly, the Holiest Place was separated from the rest of the temple by a thick veil, emphasizing that access to God's presence was restricted. When Jesus was said to have died, the New Testament describes the veil tearing in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing a new, a universal access and relationship to the divine beyond the limitations of the ancient covenant.

Yom Kippur is still regarded today as a day of fasting, prayer, and reflection, compelling individuals to examine their behavior from the previous year. Wrapped in sincerity and repentance, it’s not only about seeking forgiveness but also about fostering stronger, more meaningful connections with others and oneself. Engaging in a spiritual recommitment amongst community creates purposeful transforming connections that echo across generations!