Yom Kippur And Second Luchos

Not only is Yom Kippur a day of atonement, it was also the day the second Luchos that were given.  Is this coincidence or is there a link between the two events?  Why is there an emphasis that the two goats, the one of the korban and the one going to Azazel, are supposed to look the same (Yoma 62a)? Why does it say in Emor (23:27) שבת שבתון תהיה לכם, when there is no lachem on Yom Kippur since it’s a day of affliction?

The Alter Rebbe explains that the two goats must be the same because they represent Yaakov and Esav and even in on the most basic level (actions aside) Hashem chooses Yaakov and rejects Esav.  This is reflected in the verse in Malachi (chap.1 verses 2-3) את יעקב אהבתי ואת עשו שנאתי.  Even if the two externally look the same, Hashem still decides to have a desire for Yaakov.  On Yom Kippur, the true essences of the Jew which Hashem desires is revealed and that’s why there is atonement granted no matter what level the Jew is on.  (This is illustrated through the law that the very day is itself an atonement.)  Thus, the two goats are the same to indicate even in the scenario where Yaakov seems identical to Esav, Yaakov is still favored.

This blog mentioned before how learning Torah is the ultimate form of teshuva.  We can understand this on a deeper level as well.  The mitzvah of learning Torah is the greatest connection to Hashem for one absorbs the chachma elokus inside of him as the Tanya explains in chapters 4-5.  That’s why it’s the completion of Teshuva; because it is the only way to fully become reconnected to Hashem.

However, not only is the act of learning Torah part of Teshuva but the very essence of Torah reflects the eternal connection between the Jew and his creator for each soul has its root in the Torah and is therefore connected with Hashem.  Therefore, the giving of the Torah on Yom Kippur is not only the giving of the means of complete Teshuva but it’s what allows the pure soul of the Jew to be revealed. (See Rav Yoel Kahn on the moadim.)

In fact, The Sfas Emes suggests that the mitzvah of eating on Erev Yom Kippur is to commemorate the giving of the second Luchos on Yom Kippur. 

It could be that is the meaning of the lachem by Yom Kippur.  The day is a revelation of Hashem’s choosing of you, meaning the very being of the Jew. 

The midrash regarding motzay Yom Kippur cites the possuk לך אכל בשמחה את לחמך ושתה ושתה בטוב לב יינך.  What does it mean eat your bread and wine, just say bread and wine?  Rav Tzaddok explains that it’s referring to one’s Torah learning which reflects the essence of his soul.  That is a fitting way to come out of Yom Kippur when we can reconnect the essence of our soul and can feel its connection to the Torah.