The answer is: Day of Atonement

Lev 16

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is a profound day in the biblical calendar, marked by deep renewal and reflection. In Leviticus 16, we see this solemn occasion outlined with vivid detail. It was on this sacred day that the High Priest, designated as the only individual permitted to enter the Holiest of Holies—essentially the symbolic throne room of God—would step beyond the curtain and into the presence of the divine.

This isn't just any ordinary day; it carries immense significance. Traditionally, it involved intense rituals, including the famous practice of sending a goat into the wilderness, symbolically casting away the sins of the people. To absorb the grief and brokenness of the community, the priest would first make atonement for himself before moving on to the community's needs.

Interesting trivia: The High Priest had to ensure he was ritually clean before this monumental entry. Any slip-ups could be catastrophic—legend has it that they sometimes tied a rope around the High Priest's ankle in case he, in some manner, didn't make it back out!

Moreover, the reverberations of this event extend into contemporary practice, with rituals of repentance carrying forward. Knowing these details not only brings alive the ancient canvas of worship practices but also encourages us to explore its echoes in a modern spiritual context, inviting all to acknowledge and amend shortcomings—aiming for a shared sense of peace and community.