From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, April 4,5, 2025/6,7 Nisan 5785
A brief Torah summary: Description of five different kinds of sacrifices to be offered in the sanctuary: the olah, or burnt offering; the minchah, or meal offering; the zevach shelamim, or sacrifice of well-being; the chattat, or sin offering; the asham, or guilt offering.
The Korbanot: sacrifices in ancient times, sacrifices to G-d were considered an expression of faith. The korbanot in Hebrew means “to draw closer” and reveals the purpose of the offerings. These offerings were meant to unite the worshipper to G-d.
The worshipper sought to be forgiven for any of their wrong doings. In ancient times, the smoke of a burning sacrifice was proof of the person’s love and reverence for G-d.
Today, the Jewish people do not have a Holy Temple in Jerusalem and sacrifices are not happening. The Jewish people attend the synagogue to worship, and no incense or smoke of any kind are used during services. The Jewish people pray with Kavanah (with a spiritual focus with meaning from their neshamah (soul). It is the person’s true intent when praying and asking of G-d for forgiveness, help, healing, and any other needs. This connection is one on one with G-d. One may pray anytime of the day and G-d will hear your prayers.
The Haftarah connection from the Prophet Isaiah tells of the Jews in exile in Babylon after the first destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Haftarah points out how deplorable was Israel’s neglect of all worship. Isaiah reminds the people that there is only one G-d in whom to believe. These concepts and values are that Israel is G-d’s chosen people (Jews are dugmaot/role models). G-d wants more ritual; G-d wants our hearts and minds. Belief in idols is vanity.
When the Jew recites the Shema, our holiest prayer, it is with one’s heart and mind. Then the prayer continues and we teach it to our children. Passover is coming soon. The Haggadah is read so every Jew remembers what G-d did for the Jewish people in Egypt, and once again teaches the Exodus, our Freedom and becoming a Holy Nation.
May our Hostages be released and returned to their loved ones.
Shabbat Shalom v’ Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
