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Sacrifices? Really?!
How can something as anachronistic as sacrifices have relevance in this modern era? Good question.
But don’t just state the question and walk off, wait a minute and give some thought to an answer. (Aside from my thoughts below, there are many explanations, see here and here and here for just a few).
This week we begin the third book of the Torah, Vayikrah, or Leviticus as it’s referred to; the book that pertains to the laws of the Levites. In other words, the book that discusses the offering of sacrifices and other Temple-era worship practices.
Now, while we don’t have the ability to bring sacrifices today, there is much we can learn just by paying attention to the way these details are recounted.
The very first set of sacrifices that are discussed are voluntary offerings that one would bring as a sign of dedication and connection to G-d. Only later does it recount the mandatory offerings, the ones that had to be brought as atonement and those that are obligatory parts of the daily Temple ritual.
Think about it for a second; isn’t it strange that the first laws mentioned are not the basic obligation but rather the “advanced” offerings, those brought as a symbol of additional and deeper commitment? Shouldn’t it be the other way around?
Perhaps there is an important message embedded in this sacrificial narrative. You see, anyone can follow an order; you don’t have to take “ownership” to follow instructions. Yet unless you are truly committed, you won’t voluntarily spend your own time and money on something. And although following instructions is important, without the enthusiasm and personal motivation it will not be sustainable.
In Judaism, we don’t have clergy - it’s not a Jewish thing. Rather, we have rabbis and teachers. And there’s a big difference. Clergy are the religious functionaries. They are representatives of their particular faith and their job is to represent the people. But living a Jewishly empowered and inspired life is not about the responsibility of the rabbi or the synagogue, it’s about each person's individual connection.
So whether you relate to the sacrifices idea or not, listen to the message included in the narrative and take control of your Jewish life; it’s not about synagogue membership or even mitzvah projects, it’s about a truly personal and empowered relationship with G-d that translates into daily meaningful mitzvah practice.