בס”ד
A THOUGHT ABOUT PARSHAT TZAV 5785
In our previous blog, we explored Parshat Vayikra, where we delved into the concept of the karban chatat (sin offering) and how the process of teshuvah (repentance) enables us to seek forgiveness for unintentional sins. In this context, it’s important to note that the Hebrew word korban, meaning “offering,” comes from the root word karav, which means “to bring close.” The spiritual and mystical purpose of a korban was always to bring people closer to G-d, to foster a deeper connection and spiritual proximity. We also discussed how prayer and inner transformation replace the physical offerings of the Temple in our times, allowing us to maintain a connection with G-d even without the sacrificial system.
We now turn to a different aspect of offerings: the olah (burnt offering), which symbolizes complete dedication to G-d. The olah was entirely consumed by fire, representing an individual’s total commitment to G-d. While we can no longer bring physical offerings to the Temple, the Torah teaches that prayer has become the spiritual substitute for sacrifices, and through prayer, we can still draw near to G-d, just as the offerings once did.
The Olah: A Complete Dedication to G-d
Although the Sheva Mitzvot HaShem states that a non-Jew may technically build an altar and offer a kosher animal as a burnt offering, this practice is strongly discouraged for several important reasons:
- Halachic Requirements: Bringing an offering isn’t as simple as just burning an animal. It must follow all the precise halachic (Jewish legal) procedures—such as proper slaughter, skinning, preparation, and burning—exactly as outlined in the Torah. Without this, it’s not considered a valid offering.
- Spiritual Intention: The motivation behind such an act must be a complete and sincere service to G-d. If G-d has not yet permitted the rebuilding of the Third Temple, it may be because He is not expecting physical sacrifices at this time. We can serve G-d fully—with love, awe, and dedication—without offering physical sacrifices. Trying to go beyond or outside of what the Jewish people are commanded to do could shift the focus away from G-d and toward one’s own desires.
- Legal Considerations: In many countries, offering animal sacrifices could lead to serious legal issues. Everyone, including those who wish to serve G-d, are expected to abide by the laws of the land.
- Better Alternatives: Instead of bringing a physical offering, it would be far more meaningful and productive to donate the value of that offering to those in need. Helping the poor is a deeply spiritual act and a powerful way to honor G-d.
Prayer: The Alternative to Offerings
Since offerings are not possible today for either Jews or non-Jews, prayer has taken their place. As Hosea 14:3 states:
Take words with you and return to the Eternal. Say to Him: ‘Forgive all iniquity and accept what is good; we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.’
Preparing for the Messianic Era
During the First and Second Temple periods, the Jewish people would bring offerings on behalf of the nations of the world, during the festival of Sukkot. This reflected the universal dimension of the Temple and the Jewish mission to bring blessing to all humanity. Non-Jews were also permitted—if they so wished—to bring burnt offerings to the Temple. These offerings were then brought to the altar and offered by the Jewish priests (Kohanim), in accordance with the Torah’s laws.
In the future, this will happen again, as the prophet Zechariah (14:16–17) predicts that in the Messianic era, the nations will come to Jerusalem each year to worship G-d during the Festival of Booths.
At that time, only the Olah (burnt) offering will be brought, as sin offerings will no longer be necessary. The reason is profound: there will be no Yetzer Hara (evil inclination), or it will be so diminished that choosing good will be as natural and obvious as not putting one’s hand into fire (Sukkah 52a).
As Isaiah 11:9 beautifully states:
“For the earth will be filled with knowledge of the Eternal, as water covers the sea.”
A Call to Action
While we cannot bring offerings today, we can pray and direct our actions toward observing the Seven Noahide Laws, helping others, and showing love and kindness. In doing so, we build a world where heaven and earth will once again be united..
By Angelique Sijbolts
With thanks to Rabbi Tuvia Serber for the feedback and input
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