In ancient Hebrew tradition, Azazel refers to a scapegoat used during the Yom Kippur ritual. This practice involved selecting a goat to symbolically carry the sins of the people of Israel into the wilderness, thereby purifying the community. The high priest would lay hands on the goat, transferring the sins before sending it away, representing the removal of guilt. The concept of the scapegoat highlights themes of atonement and forgiveness in Judaism. By casting out the goat, the community sought to cleanse itself of wrongdoing, emphasizing the importance of repentance and the hope for renewal in the coming year.