Yom HaKippurim is - as its name implies - a day of opposites, a Yom Hafuch akin to Purim. Think about it: We starve our bodies, while at the same time, we put on a sumptuous seudah for the soul. We admit that we sin, yet we engage in continuous prayer and numerous mitzvot all day long. We state publicly that we are filled with faults and yet we behave like absolute angels.



There is another dual-edged custom on Yom Kippur that bears examination. What is the very first thing we do to start the Yom Kippur proceedings? Even before reciting "Kol Nidrei", we open the Aron Kodesh, remove at least two Torah scrolls and flank the Chazan as he chants this hallowed prayer.



Why do we do this?



Some say adding the Torahs to the mix increases the solemnity and import of the occasion. Others see this as a subtle hint to Hashem that just as He forgave us for the sin of the Golden Calf - allowing Moshe to come down with the second set of luchot (tablets) on Yom Kippur - so may He forgive us again on this Yom Kippur.



But the essential reason for the Torahs, of course, is that we are now conducting an official Bet Din, to release us from unfulfilled vows. Like in any court of law, one must "swear" upon the Torah to first establish credibility.



And yet, at the same time we seek dispensation for that which we failed to live up to, I suggest we must also do the exact opposite: commit ourselves to accept responsibility and to draw closer to Hashem. For without increased adherence to G-d's will, as communicated via the Torah standing before us, there can be no lasting atonement or spiritual growth. In those Torah scrolls are written the prescription for reconciliation and reward - the mitzvot that guide each facet of our lives.



I would humbly suggest that the presence of the Torah carries with it another message, as well. Just as we pledge loyalty to Hashem in front of two "witnesses", so do we remind G-d before His Torah that He, too, has made certain pledges to us. He has sworn eternal love for us, promised to be gracious to us, to sustain us, to give us security, salvation and peace. He has guaranteed us that He will never leave us, and that one day our suffering and sacrificing will end. He has said that we, His first-born, will be redeemed to a life of continuous b'racha (blessing).



So we say to Him: "We shall try, once again, to keep our side of the bargain. But please, Hashem, keep Yours, too."