PARSHAT TZAV 5785 – SACRIFICES AS LOVE · Sukkat Shalom B'nei Noach

בס"ד

Torah in je leven integreren door reflectie en conversatie kan een ongelooflijk leuke en boeiende ervaring zijn. Het is een ontdekkingsreis waarbij oude wijsheid en tijdloze leringen tot leven komen in onze dagelijkse ervaringen. Door reflectie hebben we de mogelijkheid om diep in het rijke tapijt van Tora te duiken en er diepgaande inzichten en lessen uit te halen die resoneren met ons moderne leven. De vreugde ligt in de 'aha'-momenten, die momenten waarop een Torah-vers of -verhaal plotseling verbonden is met onze persoonlijke uitdagingen, aspiraties en waarden. En wanneer we met anderen over Torah praten, wordt het een interactief onderzoek, waarbij verschillende perspectieven en interpretaties ons begrip vergroten. Deze dialogen wekken vaak opwinding en intellectuele nieuwsgierigheid op, waardoor het leerproces zowel plezierig als bevredigend wordt. Tora wordt een levendig en dynamisch deel van ons leven, dat niet alleen leiding biedt, maar ook een bron van eindeloze fascinatie, verbinding en groei.

OPMERKING: Voel je niet verplicht om elke bron door te nemen of alle vragen te beantwoorden - tenzij je dat wilt. Zelfs één bron of één vraag geeft je genoeg stof voor discussie en meditatie. Geniet ervan!

Some thoughts from the parsha

One of the most challenging concepts in the Torah is the system of animal sacrifices described in the Book of Leviticus. Many modern readers—Jewish and non-Jewish alike—struggle to relate to this ancient form of worship. Yet, if we move beyond the physical details and ask what sacrifice means, we uncover a powerful spiritual truth: sacrifice is about love.If you are familiar with Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages, you know that people express and experience love in different ways. Sacrifices are similar to “acts of service”.

In Judaism, sacrifice was never meant to be a bribe or a ritualized way to “buy off” G-d. The prophets fiercely criticized those who brought offerings while acting unjustly toward others. True sacrifice had to come from the heart—an offering of devotion, gratitude, and a desire to draw closer to G-d.

The Hebrew word for sacrifice, korban, literally means “to draw near”. It wasn’t about fear of divine punishment—it was about connection. Where ancient pagan religions sacrificed out of fear, Judaism taught that sacrifice is the choreography of love: giving up something of value to express commitment, devotion, and relationship.

This idea of sacrifice as love goes far beyond the Temple. It’s a reality in every part of meaningful human life:

A parent who sacrifices sleep or comfort for a child
A friend who gives time and energy to help someone in need
A person who gives up personal gain to serve a moral or spiritual calling

In all these cases, love is shown through what we’re willing to give—not just materially, but in time, energy, comfort, and attention. That’s what makes love real.

Even in modern society, this concept remains crucial. The foundations of our world—families, marriages, communities—only remain strong when people are willing to sacrifice for one another. But today, in a culture focused on self-interest, many of these structures are weakening. Fewer people are marrying, having children, or staying committed through hardship. When sacrifice disappears, love and connection often fade with it.

Judaism survived through centuries of hardship precisely because people were willing to make sacrifices for it. The same is true of any cause or relationship that truly matters. When we give to something beyond ourselves, we strengthen it—and we are strengthened in return.

For Noahides, this teaching offers a deeply relevant message:

You don’t need to bring animal offerings to live a life of sacrifice.
You live it by what you give—of your time, your energy, your kindness, your truthfulness.
The greatest offerings today are acts of love, justice, generosity, and integrity.

Now, reflect on the following questions

What do you personally associate with the word “sacrifice”? How does that compare to the idea of sacrifice as love?
Who or what in your life are you willing to make sacrifices for—and what does that say about your values?
Why do you think love and sacrifice are so deeply connected? Can there be one without the other?
In what ways can giving—of time, energy, or attention—serve as a modern spiritual offering?
How might embracing the idea of sacrifice help strengthen relationships, families, or communities in today’s world?

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Shabbat Shalom!

Door rabbijn Tani Burton

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