Offering Only to the One

In the teachings of the Kabbala, there is a hidden secret contained in the offerings. Our Rabbis have said in the Sifre and at the end of Tractate Menachot: "Shimon ben Azai said, 'Come and see what is written in the section of the offerings: It does not say with reference to them 'E-l', nor 'Elokecha [thy G-d]', nor 'Elokim', nor 'Sha-dai', nor 'Tze-vaot', but only the name Havayah, in order not to give an opponent [i.e. a believer in plurality] an occasion for a point of attack.

Perhaps one might say that G-d is in need of food, therefore Scripture says, "If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; for the world is Mine and the fullness thereof." (Psalms 50:12) - as if to say, "I have only commanded you to bring the offerings in order that My Will should be said and fulfilled."

In the beginning of Torat Kohanim we also find: "Rabbi Yosei says: Wherever an offering is mentioned by Scripture, the name Havayah is used, in order not to give an opportunity for heretics to rebel" [by finding pluralistic allusions against the principle of Unity]. These are the words of the Rabbis of blessed memory.

Now it is true that in the section of the Torah where the offerings are commanded it does not use [the divine names] E-l or Elo-him. But we do find [elsewhere in Scripture] verses such as: "the bread of 'Elo-heihem' [their G-d], they do offer" (further, 1:26); "Offer unto 'Elo-him' the offering of thanksgiving (Psalms 50:14), and so forth. However, the slaughtering [of the offering] must be to the name Havayah alone, meaning that [he who slaughters it] must have no intention to do so to anything else in the world, save unto Havayah alone. This is what the Sages meant when they stated: "Scripture has ordered all these Services to be devoted to the name Havayah."

[Adapted from Rabbi Dr. Charles Chavel's annotated translation.]