Theology of Atonement in the Feast Calendar of the Temple Scroll: Some Observations

The feast calendar of the Temple Scroll and the biblical feast calendars of Lev 23 and Num 28-29 are deeply connected and still each one has its own concept and character. All three share the same basic structure. The specific character of the texts is shown by the elements that fill up this basis.
The Temple Scroll‘s calendar incorporates additional feasts. But every single festival law shows the necessity for expiatory rites as a preparation for the temple service. The New Year‘s Day guaranties that the cycle of festivals can be entered ritually pure. And, as well as the cult personnel on the Feast of Ordination, the irreplaceable elements of the sacrificial cult like wine and oil will be consecrated on their own festival days. Every sacrifice offered throughout the year on a high feast has to be prepared with a sin offering. The conscience of unintentional sin disturbing the temple service characterizes the calendar.
For the law of the Day of Atonement Lev 16 is used as a basic source but the material is summarized and arranged in a new way. The result is a conception of the Azazel-rite differing from the one of Lev 16. The confession of sins is brought into focus, not their ritual elimination. The attitude of the people plays an important role for the success of the rites. Self-affliction and confession of all iniquities are integral elements of the day.
The three feast calendars give a frame for the corresponding behaviour of Israel with the deeds of the Lord. Not only the cult personnel but also all the children of Israel are included to celebrate, to bring sacrifices and to rejoice before the Lord.