Rabbi Roodyn

Even though we do not have the ability to bring Korbanos nowadays, Chazal reassure us that if we study the intricate laws, details and inner essence of the Korbanos it will be considered as if we have offered them up. This promise is unique to Korbanos, we do not find that if someone is unable to fulfil any other mitzvah that if they learn about it, it will be considered as if they have actually fulfilled it (Tanchuma Tzav 14).

The Shelah Hakadosh adds a caveat that this promise is only effective if a person learns through the passages and of the Korbanos and really feels broken from the fact that he they cannot offer the Korbanos in their fully glory. In this way they fulfil the pasuk of זבחי אלקים רוח נשברה, The sacrifices of G-d are a broken spirit (Tehillim 51:19).

One who deeply meditates on the reality of mitzvos and aveiros will come to the recognition that an averiah (violating Hashem’s will) is really the end of the world and by rights one should forfeit their life. The only reason they can carry on living is because of Hashem’s chessed and forbearance, as discussed by the Tomer Devorah and others. The essence of Korbanos is, according to the Ramban, that the individual visualises themselves as being offered up on the mizbeach. After offering the Korban and internalising this message, they receive a new lease of life, recognising that their whole existence is dependent on Hashem’s lovingkindness.

When we offer a korban we are not giving Hashem anything, rather the metaphors that the Torah employs such as nachas ruach, or reiach nichoach, pleasure or satisfying aroma are a reference to our fulfilment of Hashem’s will through bringing the Korban (Rashi Vayikra 1:9). Included in this is the realisation that our whole being is as an expression of Hashem’s will. Therefore on of the main principles behind korbanos is אחד המרבה ואחד הממעיט it doesn’t matter whether one brings more or brings less, as long as one directs their heart to Heaven.

It is this aspect of directing one’s heart to Heaven that is the critical component of our contemporary study of Korbanos over the coming weeks. If we are able to introduce this element into our understanding of what Korbanos are and what they represent, then we will have arrived at the same purpose as the actual offering themselves as the pasuk says ונשלמה פרים שפתנו, and let us render [for] bulls [the offering of] our lips (Hoshea 14:3).