When we consider Leviticus 16:8, ”And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scape-goat,” we ask, “How was this done?” Jew­ish tradition states that there were two lots made either of wood, stone, or any kind of metal. On one was written Lassem, for the sacred name (Jehovah), and on the other was written Laazazel, for the Scape-Goat. The two lots were put into a vessel (kalpey ), the goats standing with their faces toward the west. The priest came, and the goats stood be­ fore him, one on the right hand and the other on the left. The vessel (kalpey) was then shaken, and the priest put in both his hands, bringing out a lot in each. That which was in his right hand he laid on the goat that was on his right; that in his left hand he laid on the goat that was on his left. Ac­ cording to what was written on the lots, the scape goat and the goat for sacrifice were determined. (See the Mishna, in Tract. Yoma. Ac)

– David Skein

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