21 Apr PARSHA IN PRACTICE: SKILLS FOR BETTER LIVING ACHAREI – A TALE OF TWO GOATS

It’s an emotional
story of
divergence, and
it ends on a
cliffhanger.
Every year on Yom Kippur, two
identical goats were brought to the
Beis HaMikdash where lots were
drawn to determine which would
be “for Hashem” (a special korban)
and which would be “for Azazel”
(pushed off a cliff). Which animal
was considered the lucky winner of
this lottery?
Rav Shamshon Raphael Hirsch zt”l
(in his work, B’Maaglei Shanah)
imagined that if these goats could
speak, the one “for Azazel” would
certainly feel that he had achieved the
better outcome and even dodged a
bullet. “That poor animal,” he would
sympathize. “He was brought inside

and slaughtered, while I was released
to the great outdoors – and to this
great mountain scenery, no less! If
only he could have been as lucky as
me.” The goat “for Hashem” may also
have felt this inequity as he wistfully
watched his companion being led
outside to the free world while he
remained confined inside, preparing
to be slaughtered.
These animals might feel differently,
however, if only they could realize that
the Azazel scapegoat is on a collision
course destined to end in a tragic,
brutal fall from heights. Meanwhile,
his friend’s religious sacrifice has the
rare privilege of entering the Holy of
Holies. Through a short-sighted lens,
the Azazel animal appears to emerge
triumphant and fortunate, but by
the time we arrive at the end of the
story, it becomes clear who is the true
G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time).

This way of thinking
is not limited to the
animal kingdom. It is
common, Rav Hirsch
continues, for a person
living the hedonistic
Azazel lifestyle to mock
his religious neighbor
who dedicates his life
“for Hashem.” He looks
at his own freedoms
and pities the one who
is trapped “inside,”
confined to a difficult, often painful,
life of sacrifice. “It’s a shame he can’t get
out more and see how many beautiful
tall mountains life has to offer.” This
sentiment may be shared by the
devoted Jew. It can feel unfair to look
“outside” and see his buddy enjoying
a free rein, while he is restricted to
the service of Hashem. Sometimes it
is only at the end of their lives that

each realizes and appreciates the true
meaning of heights and beauty.
Our lives of Avodas Hashem may
seem difficult at times, but the
closeness with Hashem we achieve
in the process is infinitely rewarding.
We may not get to explore every
mountain in the world, but we’ll
cherish our special place in the Holy
of Holies!