On Yom Kippur we have many different prayers and liturgies. A large part of the Yom Kippur prayer consists of recounting the service of the Kohen Gadol- the High Priest in the Beit Hamikdash on Yom Kippur.
The highlight of the Kohen Gadol's service was the ketoret offering, the burning of the incense. This took place in the Kodesh Hakedoshim-the Holy of Holies, which was the only time during the year when the Kohen Gadol was permitted to enter.
The Abarbanel, in his commentary explores the meaning behind this unique event and what it represents for us today.
In typical fashion he begins with a few questions; Why does this offering take place in the Kodesh Hakadashim?
Furthermore the offering was performed with a shovel-full of coals from the altar and a handful of incense-spices (see Vayikra 16:12), after the offering was completed, the utensils used, the fire-pan and spoon, were left inside the Kodesh Hakadashim, only to be retrieved later by the Kohen Gadol.
If entering the Kodesh Hakadashim, was something to be done with so much trepidation and only on this one day a year, why wouldn't the Kohen Gadol simply take everything with him, thereby eliminating the need for a separate entry?
The Ketoret offering, the Abarbanel tells us, symbolizes the essence of the Jewish People and the accompanying description and details remind us of this identity.
The smoke that rises up from the Ketoret offering towards heaven symbolizes the faith of the Jewish people in G‑d. Having the Ketoret offering take place in the Kodesh Hakadashim, the place of the Holy Ark of the Luchot and Torah, shows the unshakable faith of the Jewish people being rooted in the Torah and Mitzvot.
The Abarbanel continues to explain that the Kohen Gadol leaves the fire-pan and spoon inside the Kodesh Hakadashim,
because they represent the heart and mind of the people. Leaving them alone with the Ark enveloped by the smoke of the offering, reminds us how our heart and mind are there to help us maintain our faith in G‑d.
With our faith and convictions based upon the Torah and Mitzvot, we are sure to have a great year and be blessed with only good.
Gmar Chatima Tova!
*Historical note: Yom Kippur is the Yahrtziet/Nacahala of Rabbi Avraham Sabba, who lived in Portugal from 1492-97. He passed away Yom Kippur 1508. His work the Tzror Hamor provided the basis for many of our letters. May his merit help assure us to be sealed for a sweet new year.
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.