Most impressive and awe-inspiring was the Yom Kippur Avoda (Service) in the Temple. The Kohen Gadol (The High Priest) had the most awesome task on this day. He performed many duties. He offered many Korbanot (Offerings) and prayers on behalf of the Jewish People. Prior to Yom Kippur, the Kohen Gadol was secluded in the Temple precincts for a period of seven days. There he studied and reviewed the Halachot (the Laws) and procedures of the most Holy Day. He was not permitted to sleep on the night of Yom Kippur and was kept awake by reading and studying some of the Holy Scriptures. He was put under oath to fulfill his duties in accordance with the directives of the Sanhedrin. He wept and the Sanhedrin Sages wept. What preparations! With dread, love and inspiration the Kohen Gadol approached the Yom Kippur Avoda. No wonder that the Talmud states that his appearance at that time was angelic. Then he uttered the Ineffable Name of Hashem and all present kneeled and prostrated themselves and called out "Boruch Shem"(Blessed be the Name of His Glorious Majesty for ever and ever").

The objective of this solemn and stirring service was to attain forgiveness for the Kohen Gadol himself, his household and the entire nation of Israel. It could be assumed that this service of the Kohen Gadol conferred this Divine Pardon. However, simultaneously another service was performed. A scapegoat was sent into the wilderness. This service was entrusted to an unknown, ordinary Jew. Who was he?
What preparation did he undergo? None! No seclusion, no instructions and most amazing it was the service of this anonymous Jew which achieved G-d's Pardon for all Israel. Even before his mission was completed, the heavenly sign appeared in the Temple to the ecstatic jubilation of the people. The Mishna in Yoma 68 relates that a scarlet ribbon was suspended at the entrance of the Temple, and as soon as
the "Ish Iti"" (The Appointed Man) reached the wilderness with the scapegoat, the ribbon turned white. This was evidence that all sins of Israel were forgiven.

Strangely, it was not the Kohen Gadol but this plain, unknown, humble Jew who achieved G-d's atonement for all Israel. It was this Jew, who while fasting and putting himself in danger of dehydration, led the goat into the scorching desert. Thus, the Talmud states there were stations in the desert with tents, laden with food and drink.
 "Here have food and a have a cold drink," he was offered. However, he declined and went forth alone in the treacherous, burning desert. While in the Temple, the Kohen Gadol offered Korbanot (Offerings) and incense, the lonely, appointed Jew offered himself. Thus, his service was more acceptable.

Yet one major question presents itself. If it was the Appointed Man in the scorching desert who won G-d's approval and forgiveness, then why was he ignored when he returned? The High Priest was greeted after the Yom Kippur Service with jubilant celebration and a parade. However, the Appointed Man was allowed to go home unescorted, alone, exhausted and unnoticed. Why was there no reception for this man who won the day? Didn't he deserve a hero's parade along with the High Priest? Was it not he who gained atonement and forgiveness for the entire Jewish People?

The explanation may be that the Appointed Man performed his function with success only because of the dedication and the merit of the High Priest, who by Divine lot selected which goat would be sent to the desert and as the emissary of all Israel confessed their sins upon the scapegoat before it was sent away. The High Priest was at his post not only for Yom Kippur but each and every day. The celebration and parade were in appreciation of his daily-year round service. The Appointed Man, however, was only a one-day-a-year man. Honor and glory do not come to one who rises for the sake of his people once a year. We appreciate and honor those who dedicate themselves to G-d and His People on a regular basis.