Lottery of the Goats
The Kohain Gadol went to the eastern gates called the Gates of Niknor, where two identical goats stood near a box with two lots. On one lot was written "L'Hashem" and on the other "L'Azazel". He stood between the goats and drew the lots simultaneously with both hands. He placed the lots on the respective goats. When placing the lot on which "L'Hashem" was written, he proclaimed the goat a "Chattas for Hashem". He tied a red band around the horns of the goat designated to be sent to Mount Azazel and turned it to face the eastern gate.
The Mishneh relates that during the lottery, the Kohain Gadol was accompanied by two highranking Kohanim. One stood to his right and the other to his left. This practice is not required by the Torah. According to the Tiferes Yisrael, it was instituted in honor of the Kohain Gadol. Many spectators stood in the eastern end of the Azarah, and it was fitting that the Kohain Gadol be properly escorted when he came among a crowd.
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Avodas P'nim
All text and graphics are from the book "The Yom Kippur Avodah," by Rabbi Menachem Moshe Oppen, illustrations by Shepsil Scheinberg, © C.I.S. Publishers,1997 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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