The Sacrifices

This Shabbat we begin the third book of the Torah, Vayikra. One of the main subjects of this book is Korbanot, sacrifices.

There are two categories of sacrifices that were offered in the Temple. One was known as Kodshei Kodashim, holy of holies, and the other Kodshim, holies.

The first category were sacrifices that were only permitted to be eaten by the Kohanim on Temple grounds, or burned completely on the altar. The “Olah” was burned on the altar, and the sin or guilt offerings, the Chatat and Asham, were consumed by the Kohanim to achieve atonement for the one offering it.

The Kodshim category of sacrifices were allowed to be eaten by non-Kohanim in a state of purity, and inside the walls of Jerusalem.

These included the Korban Pesach, eaten at the Seder, as well as the Todah and Shlamim, the thanksgiving and peace offering. There was also a sacrifice known as Chagigah, the festival sacrifice, eaten to add joy to the holiday. The Rabbis pointed out that real joy comes with the consumption of meat, and the drinking of wine.

The word, Korban, comes from its root, קרב, to come close. The idea of the sacrifices was to bring the one offering it, closer to Hashem. They were able to bring atonement to the individual, and they were expressions of love and gratitude to G-d. Even though we no longer have a Temple, the study of the details of the sacrifices gives us the reward as if we actually offered these sacrifices.