Samaritan קרבן פסח

Each year there appears to be a little more interest in offering the קרבן פסח. There were several articles showing individuals with lambs who wanted to find a way to offer this special sacrifice even today.

We saw a handful of Kohanim actually dressed in their priestly garb, in readiness to assist in this ancient service. Machon Hamikdash, the Temple Institute has such garments available for sale to Kohanim, in readiness for the Third Temple.

These noble intentions are thwarted by the authorities, who will not permit such a service until there actually is Temple.

It is interesting to note that the שומרונים, the Samaritans, have been offering a קרבן פסח for centuries. They may be descendants of the Kutim, and later, the Karaites, who were first spoken about in the Talmud.

A question was asked of Rav Aviner, if it was permitted for Jews to travel to the Shomron, to at least, observe this ancient ceremony.

Rav Aviner was very emphatic in saying that it was absolutely forbidden to even observe the Samaritans in action. Such an action is an act of כפירה, denying the truth of the Torah. This would end up strengthening activities that are contrary to the Torah. And this would be similar to giving validation to the כותים, who did not accept the תורה שבעל פה, the Oral Law.

The interest in offering the קרבן פסח is a very noble act. It demonstrates a real longing for the rebuilding of the Beit Hamikdash. Nevertheless, it appears that we will need to wait a little longer. And we certainly cannot satisfy this longing, by observing the service of impostors.