Parashat Acharei Mot

(Leviticus 16:1–18:30)

This parasha is a deeply foundational portion that addresses the sacredness of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the sanctity of blood, the regulation of sacrifices, and the prohibition of immoral relationships. It frames these instructions within the context of maintaining the holiness of Israel and the presence of God among His people.

1. The Day of Atonement: Entering the Holy Place with Reverence

Leviticus 16:1–34

The parashah opens with a sober reminder: God speaks to Moses "after the death of the two sons of Aaron" (Leviticus 16:1), who were struck down for offering unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1–2). God warns that Aaron, the high priest, may not enter the Holy of Holies “at just any time” or he will die (Leviticus 16:2). There is only one day a year—on Yom Kippur—when Aaron may enter the innermost sanctuary, and only if he follows precise instructions.

Aaron is commanded to:

• Bathe in water and wear special holy linen garments (Leviticus 16:4),

• Offer a bull as a sin offering for himself and his household,

• Take two goats for the people—one to be sacrificed and one to be sent into the wilderness as the scapegoat (Azazel) (Leviticus 16:5–10).

The sacrificial goat is offered to the Lord as a sin offering, while the scapegoat, symbolically bearing the iniquities of the people, is led away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of their sins (Leviticus 16:21–22). This ceremony of atonement is so crucial that God establishes it as an eternal statute, a day when Israel is to "afflict their souls" and seek purification before the Lord (Leviticus 16:29–34).

2. Sanctity of Sacrifice and the Prohibition of Unauthorized Worship

Leviticus 17:1–16

God now addresses how and where sacrifices must be offered. The Israelites are no longer permitted to sacrifice in open fields or in their own ways, as they had done before. Instead, every sacrifice must be brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, where it is offered to the Lord (Leviticus 17:3–5).

This command ensures:

• That no one sacrifices to goat-demons or foreign deities (Leviticus 17:7),

• That the worship of God is centralized, pure, and distinct from pagan practices,

• That Israel does not profane sacred acts with unauthorized rituals.

Further, God strictly forbids the consumption of blood, declaring, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood" (Leviticus 17:11). The blood makes atonement on the altar—it is sacred, and consuming it is grounds for being “cut off” from the people (Leviticus 17:10–14).

3. Moral Boundaries: Forbidden Relationships and National Holiness

Leviticus 18:1–30

The final section outlines sexual prohibitions and addresses moral conduct within Israel. God commands the people:

The Lord lists forbidden relationships, including:

• Incestuous unions (Leviticus 18:6–18),

• Adultery (Leviticus 18:20),

• Homosexual relations (Leviticus 18:22),

• Bestiality (Leviticus 18:23).

These practices are explicitly linked to the behavior of the nations that God is driving out before Israel. He warns, “Do not defile yourselves by any of these things… for by all these the nations I am driving out before you have become defiled” (Leviticus 18:24). Israel is called to be set apart, to walk in God’s statutes, and not follow the detestable customs of the surrounding cultures.

Parashat Acharei Mot calls Israel to a life of holiness that is both ritual and moral. The instructions surrounding Yom Kippur underscore God’s deep desire to dwell with His people—and the careful reverence required to approach His presence. The regulations about blood and sacrifices preserve the sanctity of worship, while the prohibitions against immoral relationships highlight God’s concern for moral purity. Israel is called to be different—to be a holy nation, living under God's rule, reflecting His character in both their ritual service and daily lives.