The answer is: Offer an animal sacrifice via a priest, and pray for forgiveness

Lev 4:27-35

In the ancient world of the Israelites, the concept of sin and reconciliation with the divine was deeply embedded in the fabric of their society. When an individual or community broke a commandment, they didn't just feel guilty; there was a physical commandment described in the laws laid out in Leviticus, particularly in chapters outlining regulations of sacrifices. Offering an animal—often a lamb or goat—was more than a ritual; it was actionable expression of remorse and an effort to restore a relationship with God.

This sacrifice wouldn’t occur in a vacuum; it was guided by a priest, who acted as the mediator between the people and the divine. The draining of blood was significant here, symbolizing life itself as a profane offering—divine blood, sacred and unblemished, that mirrored human accountability. In some fascinating ways, these ancient sacrifices echo practices found in other cultures. For instance, many traditions globally featured animal sacrifices for communing with deities or other after-lives, fostering a basic human connection through shared salvific practices.

Interestingly, the Israelites believed this strong act of penance also developed communal identity. As Northern Temples centralized their worship practices post-exile, society realized the collective nature of belief. High-stakes “lamb-dinners” at Shabbat are a note-worthy trend that shows how such ancient practices simmer even into modern meanings—from family meals remembering goodness to rituals shaped out of gratitude—forgiveness remained constant as a theme by humanity throughout time. That sprouts thoughts on how modern practices of seeking forgiveness, in any form, might still capitalize on age-old principles of accountability, restoration, and empathy!