Why Horns ?

BS”D

Perhaps the most famous of the vessels of the holy Mishkan was the mizbeach or altar upon which the sacrifices were offered. This altar was made in a very unique shape with four protrusions or battlements that adorned each of the four corners. These four were known as “karnayim” or horns.

The Medrash Tanchumah (quoted by the Shem MiShmuel) remarks that these karnayim served to atone for a nation which was ennobled by being charged with the elevation of four pillars; the pillar of Torah, pillar of Israel, pillar of kehunah and the pillar of royalty.  

The Shem MiShmuel then asks why should these karnayim be part of the mizbeach per se? What connection is there to this atonement and the acts of sacrifice?

When a Jew approaches the altar and offers an animal, he is obligated to see this animal as his proxy. The act of bringing a sin offering is tremendously powerful in hammering home the realization of just how far he has sunk and just how low the sin has brought him. The danger inherent in this realization is that it could bring him to depression and lowliness.

It is for this purpose, says the Shem MiShmuel, that the mizbeach was the possessor of the karnayim. So, that precisely when a Jew is feeling down and worthless, he should see these four shining beacons and be filled with self worth and purpose. Despite his earlier mistakes (not to down play them, of course) A Jew who sees the karnayim is infused with the realization that he has not been rejected by G-d for his sins, but rather embraced by G-d for his repentance. Embraced, and once again charged (or recharged) with the eternal mission of the Jewish people to shine these four beacons upon all of humanity.

We no longer have the mizbeach and we no longer bring the offerings (may they be renewed speedily in our days) but we still face this difficulty with every step of sincere penance that we offer to G-d. Instead of being derailed by feelings of depression and worthlessness we should feel energized and proud to be, once again, charged with the loftiest of all assignments – to be the harbingers of divinity in this world.

Hatzlacha !