More Discussions for this daf
1. Bringing Sifrei Torah To Show 2. Kohen Gadol is Zariz 3. Kohen Gadol is Zariz - in Point by Point Outline
4. Each would read from his Sefer Torah
DAF DISCUSSIONS - YOMA 70

Gershon dubin asks:

Why did everyone choose Yom Kippur to "show off" their sifrei Torah? And what was the purpose?

Gershon dubin, Brooklyn ny USA

The Kollel replies:

Rashi explains that the point was to show off the Hidur Mitzvah that they had employed in order to beautify the Sifrei Torah that they wrote. This is meant to encourage Hidur Mitzvah. I believe the significance of this being on Yom Kippur is to show how much we love Hash-m that we go beyond the letter of the law and beautify the Mitzvos as much as possible. This surely is a merit for us on the Yom ha'Din that Hash-m should act towards us with love and kindness.

As an aside, I will mention that Rav Elyashiv (quoted by Rav Zilberstein shlit"a in Chashukei Chemed) said that from here we see that it is fitting to have competitions for "the most beautiful Sukah" etc. in order that people should be inspired to perform not just Mitzvos but also Hidur Mitzvah.

All the best,

Yaakov Montrose