Question

A scapegoat, in the ritual of purification described in the Old Testament, was an actual goat that was released into the wilderness after having been ceremonially heaped with the "iniquities" of the people (Leviticus 16:22). What traces of such a ritual are suggested in "The Lottery"? Can you think of any other kinds of rituals that are retained today even though their purpose is now remote or even nonexistent?

Answer 1

There was no scapegoat in the Torah. There was, however, the red heffer, which was a red cow that fits your description. One example of such today is when people say they "roll down their window" when no such car requires you to roll the window today. Hope this helped.