Friday, March 14, 2008

Korbanos - An Expression of Closeness

The Mishkan was perhaps the first time that korbanos were commanded unto Bnei Yisrael. It was not, by any stretch, the first time we see them, however.

When Noach left the ark he brought korbanos from the stock of kosher animals ( seven pairs as opposed to one pair of the non kosher ones ). Before him, Hevel had brought korbanos, and the Avos regularly made mizbachos themselves.

Are we, when we bring korbanos recreating the relationships that these august forbearers had with Hashem ? Is that the purpose - to come as close to Hashem as these holy predecessors of ours ?

The Torah teaches us that we are, in fact, recreating a holier relationship, the ideal relationship between man and G-d – the one that the world was created to contain - that of Adam Harishon.

"...אדם כי יקריב מכם קרבן לד..."

"... When a man brings a korban to Hashem ... "[Vayikra 1:2]

Just like Adam was charged with the proper utilization of his domain ( gan eden ) so too must we utilize all the assets that we have for the lofty and sincere purpose - service of the One Above.

Hatzlacha !!

1 comment:

Izbitza said...

Hey Rabbi
would love to speak to you
message me at bosh20 at juno.com!
Rabbi