30 Achare mot

After the death of Aaron’s two sons, G-d directed Moses to instruct the Levites and priestson the rituals of purification and atonement, including the special practices performed by the high priest on Yom Kippur. The ritual of the scapegoat enabled the priest to atone for the sins of Israel. Through Moses, G-d commanded the people to abstain from forbidden sexual relations, lest they defile themselves and their land as did the people of Egypt and Canaan. The Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron who died when they drew too close to the presence of the Lord. G-d said, “Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come at will into the Shrine behind the curtain, in front of the cover that is upon the ark. Instead, Aaron shall only enter the holy Shrine when he is clean and dressed in his sacred garments.