Rabbi Roodyn

The offering of a sheep is not limited to the Korban Pesach, the Korban Tamid, the daily offering in the Beis HaMikdash is comprised of a sheep in the morning and a sheep in the evening. Rav Hirsch contends that this is actually a continuation and reiteration of the moment when Israel set out on its national path through history with the Korban Pesach. The Korban Tamid is therefore reaffirming the message that we are like sheep, submitting to leadership of our Shepherd, Hashem.

Although we may have an image in our minds of a lamb being a meek little animal. The Jewish ‘lamb’ is far from being a sad little creature that bears the troubles  of the world on its shoulders, allowing itself to be taken like to the slaughter without offering any resistance. The Jewish lamb is whole in body, full of vigour and has the freshness of eternal youth. We, Hashem’s flock are meant to be complete and independent. At the same time, we must remain forever young, never imagining that we have outgrown Hashem’s guidance and direction.

It is interesting to point out that one may bring sheep or goats for the Korban Pesach, both of them being included in the species of צאן. A goat, known as an עֵז generally shows greater independence towards the outside than a sheep does, its very name being derived from the word עז, meaning strength. The goat assumes an outward posture of defiance showing his horns to every stranger, but to his shepherd he is as obedient as the sheep.