PARSHAS ACHREI MOS
Can you figure out what each picture has to do with the parsha?
Rabbi Dani Staum
Parshas Achrei Mos Pix Key
Protect Life – The Torah instructs that we must guard the mitzvos and “live in them” which is an imperative for one to guard his health (Sanhedrin 74b) (Rashi says it means to live with the mitzvos in the World to Come) – 18:5
Mincha Yom Kippur – The latter half of the parsha discusses forbidden relationships and is lained at mincha on Yom Kippur. It is a reminder of the power of our evil inclination that even on the holy day of Yom Kippur one must be wary of the influence of his yetzer hara.
Teshuva – The first half of the parsha describes the avodah in the Bais Hamikdash on Yom Kippur. Yom Kippur is dedicated as a day of teshuva – 15:30
Doctor warning patient – The parsha begins by saying that the avodah of Yom Kippur was taught “after the death of the two sons of Aharon”. Rashi explains that it is analogous to a doctor who warns his patient not to eat foods that are unhealthy for him. If the doctor adds “so that you don’t die like so-and-so” the doctor’s warning has a far more poignant effect.
Kohain Gadol in front of Aron – The holiest part of the avodah was the Kohain Gadol offering the ketores (incense) in front of the Aron. The holiest man on the holiest day in the holiest place – 16:13
Two goats – One of the most well-known parts of the Yom Kippur avodah was the bringing of two identical goats and casting lotteries. One of them was sent off to be pushed off the Azazel mountain in the desert; the other was offered in the Bais Hamikdash and its blood sprinkled in the Heichal – 16:7
Cup of dirt – If one slaughters a (kosher) beast or bird/chicken the blood must be covered with dirt – 17:13
Once a year – The Torah refers to the holy day of Yom Kippur as “achas bashana – once a year” – 16:34
No blood – It is forbidden to consume blood – 17:10
X 10 – Part of the avodah of Yom Kippur entailed that the Kohain Gadol wash his hands and feet ten times at different intervals throughout the day (he immersed in the mivkah 5 times and before and after each time, he washed his hands and feet) – see Rashi 16:4 (v’rachatz)
(Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l) Schlugging kapparos – Kapparos are customarily taken before Yom Kippur. Although the custom isn’t mentioned in Gemara or prior, the minhag is universally accepted. Aside from its connection to Yom Kippur, kapparos is connected to the parsha because the custom is to slaughter the bird used for kapparos, which then necessitates its blood being covered – 17:13
