Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: (Not) In My Hands

On October 2, Rabbi Barenblat posted a beautiful writing for what we cannot fix and what we can fix

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Acharei Mot The Scapegoat

The meaning of the text regarding the scapegoat is puzzling.  The term Azazel only appears in this parashah.  Several theories regarding its meaning are: “a steep rocky place”, “a desolate area”, which imply death, or to a demon, Azazel.  Finally, it could also simply be a compound noun meaning “the goat that was sent away”.  Sages and scholars diverge on the purpose of this unique rite for washing away sins.