Parshas Acharei Mos for Kids
פרשת אחרי מות
The avodah of Yom Kippur in the Kodesh HaKodashim: the two goats, the ketores, and the one day a year the Kohen Gadol steps inside. Then the laws that keep a Yiddishe home holy.
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What happens in Parshas Acharei Mos
Parshas Acharei Mos teaches the avodah of Yom Kippur, the one day each year when the Kohen Gadol enters the Kodesh HaKodashim. On this day he does not wear his golden garments, but plain white linen. Chazal explain that gold might remind of the golden calf, and white shows that he comes before Hashem simply, like an angel. He brings the ketores into the Kodesh HaKodashim, and lots are drawn over two goats: one for Hashem, and one sent away to the wilderness, carrying away the sins of the people.
The Torah promises that on this day Hashem forgives, and we become pure before Him. Chazal add an important lesson: Yom Kippur forgives what is between a person and Hashem, but for what we did to another person, we must first go and make peace with them. The parsha closes with the mitzvos that keep Bnei Yisrael holy, and the words that a person shall live by the mitzvos. Chazal learn from this that the Torah is a Torah of life.
Lessons and middos for children
Teshuvah
Yom Kippur shows that Hashem always wants us to come back. Any day is a good day to say sorry and start fresh.Making peace with others
Hashem forgives, but first we must go to the friend we hurt. Saying sorry to a sibling is part of being close to Hashem.Simplicity
The Kohen Gadol wore simple white on the holiest day. Being good does not need fancy things, only a sincere heart.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- Why do you think the Kohen Gadol wore plain white on Yom Kippur instead of gold?
- How do you think the Kohen Gadol felt walking into the Kodesh HaKodashim alone?
- Why do we need to say sorry to a person, and not only to Hashem?
- Is there someone you would like to make peace with this week? What could you say?
How your child steps into the story
Your child stands with Bnei Yisrael in the courtyard of the Mishkan on Yom Kippur, waiting quietly with everyone as the Kohen Gadol in his white garments goes inside alone, and sharing the joy when he comes out safely. The story ends with your child making peace with a friend, looking ahead to the holy mitzvos of Parshas Kedoshim.