Giving Yourself

The Book of Leviticus, contains some of the most difficult subjects in the Torah. The concept of sacrifices is one that is very foreign to the "modern" mind. There are, however, many essential lessons to use in our divine service.

"Speak to the Children of Israel and say to them, when a person from [amongst] you will offer up a sacrifice to G-d, from the cattle, herds or flocks should the sacrifice be brought." (Lev. 1:2)

The Midrash, however, interprets the verse to give us a deeply challenging insight. "Speak to the Children of Israel and say to them, when a person from you will offer up a sacrifice to G-d...." - G-d wants us, not just our sacrifices. Every sacrifice had to be accompanied by genuine repentance before it was accepted…

In fact, every sacrifice had to be accompanied by genuine repentance before it was accepted. The priest was able to tell if the person was sincere in his feelings. If not, he would signal to the administering Levites to sing a soul-stirring melody that would arouse the sacrificer to genuine repentance. Only then would the sacrifice be acceptable.

Only when one gives up something of himself does he make a sacrifice that is pleasing to G-d.

The priest shall burn the entire animal on the altar as a complete fire offering, a pleasing fragrance to G-d." (Lev. 1:9)

Is it possible that the Torah would have us believe that the stench of burning animal flesh, bones and feathers is a pleasant fragrance? Yet when the offering is brought with the appropriate intentions of humility and teshuva, then, to G-d the smell is indeed fragrant. What seems offensive to us may indeed be a pleasing fragrance for G-d.

[Based on Chasidic sources and Kabbala;
first published in B'Ohel Hatzadikim, Vayikra 5760]