בס”ד
Leviticus, the Torah’s third book, focuses on the regulations surrounding sacrificial offerings. A Noahide may construct an altar and present a burnt offering to G-d using a kosher animal or bird that belongs to them. For Noahides, offering sacrifices is allowed but not an obligation. Failing to do so does not constitute a sin. The burnt offering, fully consumed by the altar’s fire, symbolizes total submission and the utilization of all our forces to G-d.
When bringing a burnt offering, a Noahide should recognize that this act represents self-nullification to the Creator. The offering should be of the finest quality, as exemplified by Abel, who offered the firstborn of his flock and their choicest parts, and gained G-d’s favor, as noted in Genesis 4:4.
Sacrifices incorporate all four kingdoms of creation: salt represents the mineral realm; oil, wine, and flour embody the vegetative realm; the animal itself signifies the animal realm; and the person offering the sacrifice, along with the officiating priest, represents the human realm. Therefore, sacrifices serve as an atonement and elevate all four kingdoms and hence the entire world into a higher state of holiness.
Likewise, in a spiritual sense, we can imitate the benefits of the sacrifices in our own lives. The animal and plant-based foods we consume become our personal “sacrifices.” By transforming them into energy to fulfill G-d’s commandments, we elevate them into holiness. In this sense, our dining tables serve as personal “altars.”
In the Messianic era, all nations will come to Jerusalem, and Noahides will be able to offer sacrifices. They will give them to the Jewish priests to be entirely burnt on the altar. The sacrifice doesn’t just benefit the individual offering it; it symbolically uplifts the entire world, harmonizing the material and spiritual realms.
Source:. 1. Tractate Zevachim 115:b. Sefer HaMaamarim 5745, pp. 3, 129. Genesis 4:4
By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein
Noahides do not bring sacrifices nowadays, as this is not applicable in our time. The mention of sacrifices refers only to the era of the Holy Temple, when it was permitted to bring offerings to Jerusalem. The main point is the symbolic meaning of sacrifices in the inner service of the soul. However, this is by no means a recommendation to perform sacrifices, as it is neither feasible nor relevant in today’s world.
If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN
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