The answer is: Day of Atonement

Lev 16 - This was the only day of the year that the High Priest could enter.

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is a deeply significant observation in Jewish tradition. It falls annually on the 10th day of Tishrei, marking a solemn period of reflection and repentance. The atmosphere is so charged with spiritual gravity that during this single event, the High Priest could approach the Holy of Holies – arguably the most sacred spot of the ancient temple.

Picture the scene: the priest clad in pure white garments during this momentous ritual, where the annual sacrifice was made for the sins of both the people and even his own. Interestingly, the intricate practices included the “scapegoat,” in which hands were laid upon a goat symbolically transferring the sins of the people, which was then sent off into the wilderness to carry their iniquities away — talk about a memorable metaphor!

Historically, it's fascinating to note the crystal-clear importance of this rite as part of Israel's spiritual identity. The temple priests and the rituals they participated in served not just to finance the worship system but helped the community to reconstruct their sense of connection with the divine and one another. This intentional focus on purity and atonement resonates deeply across cultures and religions even today, framing concepts of renewal and forgiveness that are still cherished.

In assessing modern parallels, many individuals evoke this theme of self-examination around the start of a new year by contemplating past mistakes and seeking guidance to do better, echoing those ancient traditions for personal growth and mobilizing acts of meaningful change.