The second confessional TB Yoma 41

On daf TB 41 we learn that after the High Priest ties a crimson strip upon the scapegoat and positions it opposite the gate it will be dispatched and positions the sin offering goat opposite the place where it will be sacrificed, he returns to his bull and recites the second confessional on behalf of himself and all the other priests. “He comes and stands next to his bull a second time, and places his two hands upon it, and confesses. And this is what he would say: Please God, I have sinned, I have done wrong, and I have rebelled before You, I and my family and the children of Aaron, your sacred people. Please God, grant atonement, please, for the sins, and for the wrongs, and for the rebellions that I have sinned, and done wrong, and rebelled before You, I, and my family, and the children of Aaron, your sacred people, as it is written in the Torah of Moses, your servant: “For on this day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins; you shall be clean before the Lord” (Leviticus 16:30). And they, the priests and the people in the Temple courtyard, respond after him upon hearing the name of God: Blessed be the name of His glorious kingdom forever and all time.” (Sefaria.org translation)

Many of us grew up praying from the Silverman Makhzor on the High Holidays. Rabbi Silverman incorporated a modern interpretation in the Yom Kippur Avodah service that still resonates today 70 years later.

“Even as the High priest prayed for the members of the Priestly Tribe, the leaders of Israel, so do we pray for the leaders of our day, the teachers of religion, the leaders of labor, industry and commerce, the pathfinders in science, education, and government, leaders in all lofty and useful endeavor. O may they who have in their power the safety and welfare of human beings, all created in Thine image, realize the sacredness of their trust. Guard them from temptation, corruption and greed. Give us men (and women- my updated addition. gg) of faith, daring and vision, who will bring about a society wherein none shall be master and none shall be slave, wherein all shall share the blessings of life liberty and happiness.” (Page 371)

Amen!