Sacrifices

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"I Have Formed You; You Are My Servant"
Haftarot: Vayikra
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
The prophet describes the relationship between God and Am Yisrael in terms of a servant and master. Sacrifices are therefore necessary to enable the servant to stand before his master. The reason behind the redemption in the haftara is God's responsibility toward the nation as a master, who is obligated to care for his servants. The haftara ends with the prophet mocking idolaters who create their statues, and emphasizes God's role as a creator.
The First World and the Second
Prof. Jonathan Grossman
If God really was disappointed with the world; and decided it must be destroyed in the flood; why did He enable a rehabilitation of the world? How could God be sure the world will not become corrupted again? This article points to the distinguishing factor between the first world and the second: the permission to eat meat.
The Salt of God's Covenant
Rabbanit Sharon Rimon
Why does the Torah require salt on the sacrifices? We will explore the unique characteristics of salt by examining salt in various biblical contexts. Apparently salt has contradictory qualities: it destroys, and prevents growth; but also preserves and lasts forever. Sacrificing salt expresses the idea that the covenant preserves its benefactors, but destroys its violators.
Renewal of the Covenant and the Question of the Nesi'ut
Haftarot: Hahodesh
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
The sacrifices described in Ezekiel are the gifts brought by the Tribe Leaders, and the Pessah sacrifice. The inauguration of the Mishkan initiates its holy status, and the Pessah sacrifice initiates the holy status of Am Yisrael. The second part of the haftara discusses the status of the Nasi - the monarch - who is responsible for bringing sacrifices to the Temple. The monarch parallels the priest - the monarch represents the nation in the Temple, while the priests represents the interest of the Divine.
What Does the Lord Require of You
Haftarot: Balak
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
Micah's prophecy emphasizes the dependency on God and man's spiritual status as determining factors in our relationship with God. Balak understood the significance of the spiritual factor, and summons Bilam to assist him. Bilam's offerings do not express internal spirituality, but rather an attempt to appease God using magic. Micah objects to sacrifices that are not accompanied by a deep spiritual feeling, acknowledgement of our dependency on God, actions of righteousness and justice, and appreciation toward the Divine.
Kohanim and Israel
Prof. Jonathan Grossman
This article discusses the status of an Israelite in relation to the work performed by the kohanim, based on the duality of Parashat Vayikra and Parashat Tzav.
The Sanctity of the Nation of Israel in Sefer Devarim
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
Why are obligatory sacrifices not mentioned in Devarim? Apparently there is an essential distinction between atonement in Vayikra and atonement in Devarim. In Vayikra the essence of sanctity stems from the Mishkan, and the nation's atonement is achieved through the work of the Kohanim. In Devarim, the essence of Kedusha is embodied by the nation; the sins of Am Yisrael are forgiven through prayer and teshuva.
Atonement in Sefer Vayikra and in Sefer Devarim
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
Bnei Yisrael are told, for the first time, that God will choose a place for the dwelling of the Divine Presence, where they can bring their gifts to God. The list of gifts is repeated over and over, which raises the question: why does the Torah mention the voluntary sacrifices (Olah and Shelamim; Tithes; vows; etc.) but omit the obligatory sacrifices? Devarim seems in general to ignore obligatory sacrifices. The reason might offer perspective on the distinction between Vayikra and Devarim.
Vayikra and the Minha Offering
Vayikra
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman |
Why, for meal offerings, are se’or and devash (grain and honey) forbidden? This shiur looks at explanations of commentators such as Maimonides, and then delves into a literary analysis of unleavened bread in Biblical narrative to demonstrate that unleavened bread symbolizes the moment of leaving Egypt, and the potential process of “becoming,” while leavened bread (and honey) symbolize arrival, or “being,” and why each are appropriate for different types of offerings (korbanot).
Torah and the Kingdom of Priests [audio]
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 22 minutes
Why does our parsha repeat the list of instructions relating to offerings (korbanot) in a very similar way to the one found in Parshat Vayikra? What is the significance of the striking differences between the list? Examining these similarities and differences highlights the dialectic of worshipping God: the importance of priests performing rituals along with the individual religious quest.
"For God is Not a Man" (Audio)
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman |
Parshat Balak appears to interrupt the flow of Sefer Bemidbar. Why does it belong in the Torah? This shiur explores the significance of the parallels between Parshat Balak and the Akeida story, and reveals that Parshat Balak and its placement at a momentous point in Bemidbar send an important message about God, Israel, sacrifices, and the Covenant (Brit).
"Each and Every Month, and Each and Every Shabbat" (Audio)
Rabbi Amnon Bazak | 15 minutes
What constitutes the special status of Rosh Chodesh? This shiur compares the festival sacrifices in Parshat Pinchas with "Parshat ha-Moadot" in Sefer Vayikra. Looking at references to Rosh Chodesh mentioned together with Shabbat throughout Tanakh and focusing on the distinct aspects of the Shabbat sacrifices will shed light on the unique nature of Rosh Chodesh and its aspects which relate to Shabbat and Moed.
Explaining Korbanot
Rabbi Alex Israel | 38 minutes
The Book of Vayikra is not generally easy to learn. Korbanot (offerings), a concept which often seems foreign to the modern reader, feature prominently. What is the purpose of korbanot? We examine different approaches to help us in our goal of reframing korbanot and bringing them to life to restore their relevance.
The Tzitz
Rabbi Yaakov Medan
What is the role of the tzitz? In this article, Rabbi Yaakov Medan explains that the tzitz comes to bring about God's favorable acceptance of the sacrifices, even if mishaps occurred while they were being offered. Referencing Biblical and Talmudic sources, Rabbi Medan lists the specific types of sins for which the tzitz atones - for the altar and for the ritually impure sacrifices brought upon it, as well as for the impudence and brazenness that led to the desecration of God's name at the altar with a false oath.
How Can We Relate To Sacrifices Today?
Rabbi David Fohrman |
Today, sacrifices seem so alien, how can we connect to the myriad of details associated with animal sacrifice? In this video, Rabbi Fohrman goes deeper into explaining the three main categories of sacrifice and how they create three frameworks of connection with God. Want to see more videos like this? Check out https://www.alephbeta.org/
Parshat Vayikra
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 38 minutes
How do we evaluate the purpose of korbanot? By examining the components of the korbanot at first glance, it seems that they can be misunderstood as being a "meal" for Hashem, as though we are "feeding" Him. However, when we closely examine the nature of the korbanot, we understand that they are actually to benefit mankind - they are a way of exercising religious virtues and of building a relationship with Hashem.
Introduction to Sefer Vayikra
Dr. Mordechai Sabato
The book of Vayikra opens with a discussion of thee voluntary sacrifices - olah, mincha, and shelamim. By closely examining the message of these sacrifices, we can see how the three different voluntary sacrifices express all the basic emotions felt by an individual standing before his Creator.
Parshat Tzav
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 34 minutes
The section of korbanot in the parshiyot of Vayikra and Tzav seems to interrupt the story of the mishkan. It is placed in between the setting up process of the mishkan at the end of Sefer Shemot, and the miluim - the completion of the mishkan in chapter 8 of Sefer Vayikra. Why does the Torah structure the order this way? By exploring the purpose of the mishkan as a representation of the spiritual experience at Mt. Sinai, we can learn about an individual's direct relationship with Hashem, uninhibited by mediators or objects.
Parshat Tzav
Dr. Mordechai Sabato
The sacrifices are listed both in Parshat Vayikra, and again in Parshat Tzav - but in a different order. Why? When we closely examine the wording of the two parshiyot, It seems that Parashat Tzav presents a fundamentally different perspective on korbanot from that of Parashat Vayikra. Vayikra offers the individual the opportunity to offer a sacrifice, while Parashat Tzav opens with the constant flame on the altar and the regular daily sacrifice, which express the altar's serving as a representation of the presence of the Shekhina. Therefore, the Torah teaches that the institution of sacrifices is more than just an opportunity offered to the people; it constitutes an essential part of the Mishkan, expressing the constant residence of the Shekhina among the Jewish people.
Darosh Darash
Rabbi Ezra Bick
In the immediate aftermath of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu there is a puzzling vague incident involving Moshe and Aharon regarding eating of sacrifices. What is happening in the story and what are the reasons behind it? By closely examining the story we can understand it in a new light, and also appreciate its application to the relationship between God and Am Yisrael.
Social Justice...and Sacrifices?
Acharei Mot - Kedoshim
|
Social justice laws are discussed side by side with laws relating to animal sacrifices. What connects the two? The Torah is doubling down on important principles - that can be found just as clearly in sacrifice as in social justice. Want to see more videos like this? Check out https://www.alephbeta.org/
What is the Difference between Purity and Atonement?
Rabbi Dr. Yehuda Brandes
Atonement in Sefer Vayikra and in Sefer Devarim
Rabbi Amnon Bazak | 12 minutes
What is at the heart of the differences in perspective on the sacrificial offerings between Sefer Vayikra and Sefer Devarim, and what can this teach us about two distinct types of sanctity that the Torah presents?
Why Didn't God Accept Kain's Sacrifice?
Dr. Adina Sternberg
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ה | | Hour and 2 minutes
Cain is known for committing the first murder, but before his crime, the Torah makes it look like he also brought the first sacrifice. What was wrong with his korban? Why did God accept the offering of his brother Hevel, but not that of Cain? Why doesn't Cain get credit at least for ingenuity? We will attempt to answer these questions through a close reading of the Hebrew text and an analysis of the theological meanings of the different gifts one might give to God.

This shiur delves into ideas about what korbanot are, the good and bad aspects of being a shepherd or working the land, and the meaning of ma’aser (tithing) as representing a partnership. In light of the above, the text is re-examined, assumptions are rejected, and penetrating insights emerge about Cain, Hevel, and the mindset behind Cain and Hevel in their acts of offering to God.
Chametz, Matza and the Altar of God: Between Becoming and Being
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | Hour and 8 minutes
Why are chametz, seor (leavened matter), and honey prohibited from being placed on the altar? Using the Literary Theological Method, we explore the symbolism of chametz, matza, and honey throughout the Chumash in order to shed some light on this question, leading us to a deeper understanding of potentiality and actuality, and of the nature of korbanot.
Emotions at the Akeida
Rabbi David Silverberg
Cain and Hevel: Perspective on Korbanot
Rabbi David Silverberg
Amos 5-6 - Matan Al HaPerek
Rabbi David Sabato
Central to perek 5 is the call to “seek the Lord” through righteousness and judgment, contrary to what was happening among the people at that time. The first section of the chapter uses the language of a lament for “the house of Israel” (1-17). Amos rebukes the people for focusing on the idolatrous rites in various temples instead of seeking God Himself through righteousness and judgment. In the second secton of the perek Amos argues with the nation about the nature of the day of the Lord which they are longing for (18-20).

In Chapter 6, Amos again argues with the people of Israel about their attude toward “the day of the Lord”, and shatters their illusions about the nature of the day.

This study guide includes guided questions and an appendix about Orion and the Pleiades constellations.
Organizing the Korbanot
HaTanakh.com Staff
The lack of familiarity with the laws of korbanot (sacrifices) leads one to believe that it is a difficult topic to learn. In fact, the Torah is relatively well organized with regard to Korbanot. This explanation and chart will help navigate the basic concepts of Korbanot at the beginning of Sefer Vayikra.
Did the Prophets Create a New Torah When They Criticized the Sacrifices?
Rabbi Yuval Cherlow
תאריך פרסום: תש"ע | | Hour
Tanakh was an important source of inspiration for early secular Zionists, enabling the spirit of revolution while serving as roots for life in the Land of Israel. The prophets were viewed as the first commentators of the Torah who championed the spirit of justice as opposed to sacrifices and ritual.

But was this an accurate view? How can we reconcile the prophetic continuity of the Torah with their apparent rejection of sacrifices? Did they really reject sacrifices? We begin with the revolutionary approach of Yirmiyahu to God’s relationship with the Mikdash and analyze prophetic statements and the content of the Book of Devarim. The prophets emphasize the priorities of the religious identity that can too easily fall to the wayside. Are they saying that sacrifices aren’t important? Or are they highlighting behaviors and actions that need to form the basis of a society that includes ritual as well?
Erev Shabbat Parshat Tzav - Encouraging Aharon about Korbanot
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 13 minutes
Why is it necessary to command Aharon with such apparent urgency? Could this be a form of special encouragement to encourage people to bring korbanot? But if so, why would it be directed at the Kohamim?

Delving into this question about offering allows us to appreciate the monetary challenges of bringing an offering. But is that, something that seems to be more of a challenge for non-Kohanim, really what’s going on here? Or is it about a very different type of challenge for Aharon?
Leaven, Honey and the Altar of God
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman
Why, for meal offerings, are se’or and devash (grain and honey) forbidden? This shiur looks at explanations of commentators such as Maimonides, and then delves into a literary analysis of unleavened bread in Biblical narrative to demonstrate that unleavened bread symbolizes the moment of leaving Egypt, and the potential process of “becoming,” while leavened bread (and honey) symbolize arrival, or “being,” and why each are appropriate for different types of offerings (korbanot).
Haktara
Rabbi Ezra Bick
Bringing a sacrifice has two distinct halakhic goals, zrikat hadam (throwing the blood), and hekter eivarim (burning the flesh). It seems that the haktarat Haeivarim is the most important part of bringing a sacrifice. What is “haktara”? What is its spiritual significance?
Torah and the Kingdom of Priests
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman
Why does our parsha repeat the list of instructions relating to offerings (korbanot) in a very similar way to the one found in Parshat Vayikra? What is the significance of the striking differences between the lists? Examining these similarities and differences highlights the dialectic of worshipping God: the importance of priests performing rituals along with the individual religious quest.
The Laws of Sacrifices
Rabbi Dr. Yoel Bin Nun
What is the role of the Kohen when it comes to bringing sacrifices? Through a close examination of the text we can understand the goal of the Kohanim as the teachers of Am Yisrael, and how this relates to the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot.
Vayikra: Salting Our Sacrifices
Rabbi Jay Kelman
Shemini: Close to G-d
Rabbi Jay Kelman
Converts and Sacrificial Rules - Equality and Closeness
Rabbi Shlomo Dov Rosen
When God is Uninterested in Sacrifices
Rabbi David Silverberg
Ramban on Vayikra - Appeasement and Atonement
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 34 minutes
What is the meaning of certain sacrifices? We examine Ramban's comments about some of the korbanot at the beginning of Vayikra, and we find ideas about sin as corrupting and mikdash (and Yom Kuppor). as curing. Are sacrifices (and shabbat) for "appeasement" or "finding favor"? Participation in the ritual is about both curing onesself and developing a personal relationship with God.
Parshat Vayikra Part 1: Introduction to Sefer Vayikra
Shani Taragin | 25 minutes
This podcast presents an introduction to Sefer Vayikra, allowing us to appreciate this sefer based on both its unique content as well as its context and juxtaposition to the previous sefarim. An analysis of the verses in both Vayikra and Shemot allow us to understand the role of Sefer Vayikra as a model of the relationship between the people and God through the Mishkan, and learning to live in the presence of God both within and outside of the Mishkan. We also discuss the differences in the order of korbanot listing between parshiot Vayikra and Tzav, and what may account for those discrepancies.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Parshat Vayikra Part 2: The Voluntary Offerings: Olah
Shani Taragin | 31 minutes
This podcast discusses the structure of Sefer Vayikra and the meaning behind the sacrifices - bridging the gap between man and God and turning the physical into spiritual.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Leftovers, Missed Opportunities and the Sanctity of Time
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky
Parshat Tzav Part 3: Torat Hachatat, Asham And Shelamim
Shani Taragin | 28 minutes
This section deals once again with the laws of offerings. However, this time the focus is on the details pertaining specifically to the Kohanim who sacrifice the korban, in contrast with Parshat Vayikra where the focus was on the individual bringing the sacrifice.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Between Consistency and Change
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky
Eating Meat
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky
Sacrifices of the Heart
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky
Religious Convenience
Rabbi Ben-Tzion Spitz