Published March 18, 2010
This week, we start the book of Vayikra, Torat Kohanim, the book of the Chumash whose main theme is KORBANOT. This follows several sedras that deal with the Mikdash, that is, the Mishkan of the Midbar, the forerunner of the Beit HaMikdash.
Whenever this topic comes to mind, a couple of questions join it in occupying our thought. Are Korbanot relevant to today’s world? And… What about the poor “track record” of our ancestors in the time of the Beit HaMikdash? Did they do right by Korbanot or did they make a mess of things? Will we be any different?
Nagging questions.
No room here to address all of them, but some of them echo from other mitzvot, as well. Perhaps this is what we should focus on in this Lead Tidbit.
Whereas the sedra introduces us to korbanot, the haftara castigates Bnei Yisrael for not living up to its challenges. For turning away from G-d to the worship of idols. In many other places in Tanach, the Nevi’im castigate Israel for offering hollow sacrifices to G-d. Korbanot without the proper kavanot, intentions, emotions. Korbanot not accompanied with proper introspection and without T’shuva.
But it doesn’t stop there. Substitute the word Prayer for Korbanot and ask the same thing of Bnei Yisrael. Do we daven properly. Do we daven with the right kavanot, intentions, emotions? Do we use our davening to help us become better people?
Let’s not stop there either. Mitzvot. Pick one, anyone. (Now put it back in the deck.) Do we do mitzvot with the right kavanot, intentions, etc. Do we become better people through the mitzvot that we perform?
We need to think about this a lot.
We need to not blame the mitzvot we are challenged with for our shortcomings. We need to blame ourselves. And then do something about it.
It seems to be the consensus of our sources that Korbanot will be restored when the third Beit HaMikdash will be rebuilt. They might take getting used to - the whole Mikdash idea will take getting used to. But they and all of our mitzvot are eternal. They are for all times.
Every mitzva we have - korbanot, prayer, Shabbat, kashrut - you name it - is designed by G-d to be a goal in itself AND a means to achieve a higher spiritual level. We must “use” every mitzva that we have - Torah learning and Torah observance, to grow as Jews and as people.
The korban is important and the vidui that one says with it are important. The increased commitment to G-d that should accompany every korban and every mitzva is vital. This is not just a korban challenge. It is for all of Torah.
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