Good Afternoon,

“Come closer.”  This is what God is saying to us.  Our weekly portion, Tzav,  focuses on the different types of sacrifices the priests or kohanim would offer in the Tabernacle.  The Torah describes the multiple animal and grain sacrifices, what is given, when, why and how. 

I often say that every translation is an interpretation. The word “sacrifice” we use in English, has the connotation of giving something up, voluntarily or compulsory. In Hebrew, the word that is used to describe the animal, grain or act is korban, קרבן.  This is the noun that comes from the Hebrew verb, להקריב.  

Sacrifice is not a good English translation as it does not give the same nuance as the Hebrew.  The verb, להקריב, means to bring close.  In Hebrew, bringing a korban, was an act that brought you closer to God.

In our day, we do not have the Tabernacle or either Temple to perform any of these sacrifices.  The rabbis decided that prayer would replace sacrifice in Jewish religious practice.  In many communities, there are verses from the Torah that are recited throughout weekday and Shabbat services that describe the sacrifices that were given at a specific time.  The act of saying those verses is one way words and prayers have replaced the actual act of giving a korban. 

What in your life helps you to feel closer to God, to your Jewish community?  What can you give of yourself to be closer?  

Join us for services, help us plan an event, come to an event! (This Saturday night at 7:30 come to The Science of Tasting, Cheese! Link to sign up is below) In order for you to be closer, you must engage.  One cannot be closer to God or community by standing still.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Metz

Join us tonight, 8 PM for Kabbalat Shabbat services
Saturday 10 AM for Shabbat Services

Saturday evening, 7:30 The Science of Tasting, Cheese http://bethmordecai.org/special-events/science-of-tasting/

Second Night – Passover Community Seder
Saturday, March 31, 6:30 p.m.
Adults, $42/per person for adults
Young Adults, 12-18 years of age $20/per person
Under 12 free

Sign up early.  Seats fill quickly.  Registration forms have been sent by regular mail. Or you may register on-line by visiting the Beth Mordecai website.  

Category : Rabbi Rabbi's Journal