D’var Torah on Parshat Vayikra

How are korbanot supposed to get me closer to God?

Korbanot (animal sacrifices) are probably the most foreign Torah concept to the 21st century Jew. For many, it kind of feels, well… antiquated and irrelevant. No matter how hard I try, I really struggle to relate to korbanot. I’ve always heard the beautiful idea that the word korban comes from the shoresh (root) ק ר ב, meaning to come close, but how in the world is sacrificing animals supposed to get me closer to God? 

How are the different types of korbanot related to each other?

You know what makes appreciating the idea of korbanot even more difficult? Every decent explanation I hear only makes sense if you think about korbanot as all being the same type (chatat, olah, etc.). For example, the Ramban says that the animal we sacrifice takes our place, so instead of our body getting burned on the mizbeach (altar) and our blood being sprinkled by the Kohanim (priests), that all happens to the animal. We get to watch and hopefully feel contrite for what we’ve done wrong and freaked out enough that we never sin again. Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely glad that I don’t have to get burned on the mizbeach for every sin I commit, but it’s hard for me to see how this helps us explain voluntary or communal korbanot, which don’t seem to have anything to do with feeling remorse, regret or fear for my wrong doings.

The truth is, the Torah outlines multiple types of korbanot, and they’re brought for different reasons and on different occasions. How are we meant to understand the idea of animal sacrifice given that there are so many different types? Do the different kinds of korbanot relate to each other in some way?  What can they each tell us about how korbanot, in general, help us forge a closer and deeper bond with God?

Check out the following video in which Rabbi Fohrman explains how korbanot really can help us get closer to God. By exploring how each type of korban helps to foster a unique aspect of our relationship with God, we can see how the Torah’s practice of animal sacrifice brings us closer to our Creator. Subscribe now to add meaning to your Shabbat table and inspire your company with the beauty of the Torah. 

Parshat Vayikra in a Nutshell

Parsha Summary

In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Vayikra, we have a detailed list of the various types of korbanot (sacrifices) that can be offered in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Beit HaMikdash (Temple). 

1. Olah: Elevation offering (commonly translated as a burnt offering)
2. Mincha: Flour offering
3. Shelamim: Peace offering
4. Chatat: Sin offering
5. Asham: Guilt offering

For each type of korban (sacrifice), we learn what types of animals can be used, when and why it would be brought, and a host of other laws about animal sacrifice rituals. 

Commonly Asked Questions about Parshat Vayikra 

1. When did animal sacrifice start in the Bible? 
   The first animal sacrifice in the Bible was brought by Abel. In Genesis 4:4, we learn that Abel brought from the firstborn of his flock and from the choicest animals. 
2. When did animal sacrifice end in the Bible?
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3. When did Judaism stop animal sacrifice?
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4. Why did God want animal sacrifices?
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