Parshat Vayikra: Aloha sacrifices

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The book and parsha of Vayikra contain the specific essentials with regard to the laws and practices of the korbanot, the sacrificial offerings. And although we do not bring korbanot without a Holy Temple in Jerusalem, the Torah views the bringing of korbanot as an important ingredient in one’s lifelong goal of getting close to G-d.
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the word “korban” comes from the word “karev,” which literally means to draw closer. The goal of korbanot is therefore a positive attainment, a realization of a more noble existence and should not be viewed, as animal rights people might view it, as destructive.
More importantly, the korban was meant to serve the needs of the one bringing it as opposed to the One receiving it. The verse in Tehillim 73:28 says “For me, G-d’s nearness is good for me.”
Other elements of Vayikra serve to indicate what a person is like if he does not seek out G-d or attempt to have a closer relationship with Him. Hirsch writes, “In G-d’s sanctuary a man will understand that closeness to G-d is the sole criterion for shaping his outlook on life and for evaluating true happiness.”
According to Hirsch, in order to get close to G-d requires dedication, rule of law and learning through body and spirit. Catherine Rampell recently published an article in the New York Times entitled, “Discovered: The Happiest Man in America.”
She describes the summary reached by a Gallup poll as to what are the most common criteria of people who claim to be happy.
Gallup said the happiest person is a tall Asian-American man, an observant Jew, at least 65, married, with children, runs his own business, a household income of more than $120,000 a year and lives in Hawaii. Apparently there is a man living in Honolulu who fits the description.
It is most interesting that the description of the happiest person, from over a million surveyed, is an observant Jew.
Even without korbanot, we sacrifice a lot for our faith, for our dedication and for the sake of our children. We do it on account of our love for G-d and our eternal effort to get close to him. We can’t eat in every restaurant, our tuition rates are higher, people look at us funny when we leave work early on Friday and schools are petitioned to accommodate the scheduling of weekend exams.
This is our life. We embrace it; we love it. We seek that relationship with G-d. And with G-d’s help we’ll endeavor to reach the attainable elements of the Gallop poll to achieve true happiness. And, maybe one day, we’ll at least visit Hawaii.