Temple Emanu-El of Bayonne, NJ

By Rabbi Shaul Marshall Praver

This week I found myself reflecting on the idea of carrying the burdens of others. I am reminded of the story of the Kohanim in this week’s Torah portion, Acharei Mot. On Yom Kippur, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies and confess the sins of the people, symbolically transferring them onto a goat. The goat was then sent away from the people into the wilderness. The Kohanim played a crucial role in this process, helping to purify and cleanse the people.

This arrangement seems very good for the people but very bad for the goat. I would not want to be the goat. In the end, the goat is thrown off a cliff! How many of you feel at times that the demands of your life cast you in the role of the scapegoat? If you have ever felt that way, I believe this short sermon will help you see it in a more positive way that will increase your happiness. I realize convincing you to feel more fortunate than the scape goat, is a pretty low bar, but give me a chance, this might work out well.

The ritual of the scapegoat is a reminder that we all have the capacity for sin and wrongdoing. But it’s also a reminder that we have the power to cleanse ourselves and our community. We all have moments when we feel as if we were carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders – whether it’s taking care of a family member, navigating a difficult work situation, or just trying to make our way through the day. Try identifying with the Kohanim, Levites and Israelites for a moment— I promise to advocate for the goat very soon. Let’s consider that as human beings, we are in this life together. We can acknowledge our faults and areas of ignorance, and when we do, we are performing the most sacred work of all. This is the true atonement, and the path towards becoming vessels of loving kindness. The kohanim and Levites in the temple service helped Israelites process the transgressions of their households and the entire house of Israel. They also beautified the service with tasty offerings and fragrant incense; and they carried the Ark of the covenant in a majestic fashion filled with elegant pageantry. They provided positive and empowering imagery that gave the people a sense of being part of something magnificent that they could be proud of. This made the daily work feel like it was contributing to something beautiful and meaningful. I believe that humanity, the earth and all of creation are interconnected, and there are blessed states we can only reach through the unification of our hearts. The stories and experiences of others have a profound impact on us. We are called to bear the substance of our civilization, to carry our brothers and sisters in their pain and to cleanse our world through the turning of our hearts to love through humble service God and humanity.

The sustaining power of our organs often goes unnoticed, but it is truly remarkable. The purpose of many organs is to cleanse and maintain chemical equilibrium. On a macro level, we and our communities are like organs and vessels that are meant to carry and sustain the world. The work we do, the love we give, and the pain we carry, are all part of this greater purpose and is necessary for achieving planetary equilibrium. We may feel lonely at times, but it is important to reflect on the thought that we truly are never alone. We are all part of a greater whole, and are not particles banished to the wilderness. We may feel that way at times, but the power of the spoken word and our ability to imagine a more connected and joyous world, is key to actually creating such a world. We do it through our higher states of consciousness and through all the little deeds of loving kindness we bring to the world day by day. Our positive attitude helps us remember that we are fulfilling the role we were summoned into this world to fulfill.

Therefore, as we go forth, let us remember the importance of our service to others. Let us embrace our role as organs of loving kindness in of our society, working together to cleanse and heal our world. May we find joy and fulfillment in our work.

As for the goat, while in our ancient past we enacted these rituals as described, today, we can safely say the value of the goat story is in metaphor alone. Towards the end of the second temple period, prophet Hosea declared, “I desire your steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” His message is a reminder that what really matters is understanding God and embodying God’s love. While my message is expressed in a Jewish context, it is fitting for all of humanity. It’s easy for any one of us to get caught up in the ritual of things – going through the motions, saying the right prayers, and making the right offerings and serving the interests of our particular religions and denominations. But, prophet Hosea is asking us to reflect on the meta message of God’s will. It’s about forming loving relationship with everyone and coming to see the beautiful mosaic we are weaving together on a planetary scale.

In conclusion, let us move forward from this moment ready to deepen our understanding and embodiment of God’s love. Let’s not just go through the motions, but hold space for self- knowledge and our place in God’s creation. Let us be blessed to see the majesty of carrying the sorrows and burdens of others, for the truth is, we are metaphorically carrying the Ark of the Covenant and all those who carried the ark were carried by it. But if all else fails, just remember, at least we’re not being thrown off a cliff!

Shabbat Shalom.