At the beach for Yom Kippur?! (Torah in a Minute)

For on this day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins; you shall be clean before the LORD.

Since the Scapegoat effects atonement for all Israel, the High-Priest confesses over it in the name of all Israel, as it is said: "He shall confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel" (Lev. 16.21). The Scapegoat atones for all transgressions mentioned in the Torah, both minor and major, whether one transgressed willingly or inadvertently, whether one became aware [of his sin] or not— all is atoned for by the Scapegoat, so long as one has repented. However, if one has not repented, the Scapegoat only atones for one's minor sins. ...

At this time, when the Temple is not established and, therefore, no altar to atone for us, there is nothing else left for us but repentance. Repentance atones for all sins. Even one who was an evildoer all his life but repented in the end, not a thing of the wickedness is held out against him, even as it is said: "As for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness" (Ez. 33.12). The Day of Atonement itself atones for the penitent, as it is said: "For this day itself shall make atonement for you" [D.R.: This seems to be how Rambam understands the verse.] (Lev. 16.30).

The Day of Atonement is a season for repentance for all, both as individuals and as a community. It is the goal/end/conclusion of reconciliation and forgiveness for Israel. Therefore, all are obliged to repent and confess on the Day of Atonement. ...

One who says, "I will sin, and then repent, I will sin [again], and then repent," will not receive an opportunity to repent; [for one who says] "I will sin, and Yom Kippur will atone," Yom Kippur will not atone. ...