This week we begin a new book of the Torah called Vayikra, in English it is referred to as Leviticus. The main focus of our parsha of the same name is Korbanot or sacrifices. Why would the first chapter of the third book of the Torah be so focused on sacrifices? It is worth pointing out that “the biblical prophets criticized the sacrificial system for its tendency to deteriorate into form without feeling.” (Etz Chayim 585)
The answer to why the emphasis on sacrifice is two-fold. Firstly, all religions of the time of the bible were based on sacrificial worship and the Israelites could not conceive of religion without it. Second, because of the worshipping of the Golden Calf God realized that the Israelites were struggling with idea of a divine being that was abstract. Therefore, God put forth the sacrificial system as a way for the Israelites to worship God in a concrete tangible way.
Centuries later the way we worship has changed dramatically. We have gone back to a less tangible approach through prayer-offering words from the siddur in Hebrew or from our hearts in whatever language we choose. The beauty of prayer compared with sacrifice is there is not one right way to pray. Each of us has a different way we connect with God. The sacrificial system was very specific and rigid with its form and the way things were done. We have the opportunity today to pray in many different ways, singing together, reciting the words of the siddur together, meditating, and private confessions to God. All of these different ways of prayer are meant to do one thing, bring us closer with God. I believe that is one of the primary goals of prayer-to bring God into my life.
This is the reason the sacrifices were put into place, as a tangible way to bring us closer to God. The root of the word for sacrifice in Hebrew translates as closeness or being close. Our ancestors used these Korbanot/sacrifices to cleave to God the same way we use prayer to deepen our relationship with God and help us grow closer together.
While we may distance ourselves physically from one another, may we continue to use the tool of technology to become closer together as a community.
You are invited to have Shabbat candles, Challah (or any bread), wine (or grape juice), and a pitcher of water and a bowl. We will do the blessings together.
Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism