Everyone Sins

The Torah recognizes that it is a reality that human beings have weaknesses that lead them to sin. Some refer to it as being possessed by a “spirit of folly.”

For a brief moment, the individual forgets himself and does something foolish, that he ultimately regrets. Therefore, a remedy is created so that he can come back to his senses and get back on track. He must sincerely show remorse and repent, and offer the sin offering.

Specifically, the Torah speaks of the remedy for a king or High Priest that sins, in addition to the commoner.

The king is not mentioned by name, but he is included with the words, אשר נשיא יחטא, which is translated as, “When the Nasi will sin.”

A different wording could have been used. This choice of words was used to show the inevitability that when one is in a position of authority, he will sin.

It is also interesting that if one takes the first letter of those three words, אשר נשיא יחטא, he gets the word, אני.

The word אני, refers to selfishness. It is difficult to occupy a position of authority, without the power he now possesses not going to his head. His arrogance will lead him to sin.

Different sacrifices are offered by the king, High Priest, and the commoner. There is even a sacrifice offered if the High Court issued an incorrect decision, that led to a transgression by the majority of the people.

Unlike other religions who turn their leaders into saints who are incapable of sinning, the Torah recognizes that even our greatest leaders, such as Moshe Rabbeinu, made errors in judgement, that led to sin.

The Torah gives the guidelines towards bringing one back and cleaning his slate, and starting all over again. This is another indication of the beauty and truth of the Torah.