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There are also differences of opinion as to the reason behind the prohibition. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim III:46) says that the prohibition was to counter certain ceremonies of idol worship. The Ramban (as understood by Abarbanel) says that it has to do with the fact that the animal’s blood contains its spirit, and thus it should not be spilled in such a manner. Abarbanel says that each of these reasons applies to a different prohibition. Idol worship is behind the prohibition on slaughtering outside the Mishkan; the soul in the blood is the reason for the prohibition on eating blood.
The Ramban, who says that the p’sukim forbid the slaughter of even non-sanctified animals, explains the rationale of this prohibition being specifically in the desert on practical grounds. In the desert, everyone had easy access to the Mishkan, and so it was reasonable to demand that people would bring a Korban Shelamim, in which they ate the main part of the animal. However, as the Torah stresses in Devarim, when the nation was spread out throughout the Land, the Torah did not expect people to travel to the Mikdash to eat meat.
Rav Hirsch has a philosophical approach to the problem of slaughtering and eating animals in the desert specifically, which picks up on the Torah’s mention of both the practice of slaughtering to the se’irim (Vayikra 17:5) and the spilling of blood (ibid. 4). In the wilderness, what was done "in the field" connected a person to an animalistic state. The spilling of the blood the Torah rejects was not that of the animal, but of the person who might connect to the spirit of the animal he ate in the wilderness. Rather, one had to partake in the eating of the meat in a manner that brought him closer to Hashem, through a Korban Shelamim, not in a way that made him closer to an animal.
Until the day (which we pray is soon) that we will once again be able to bring korbanot, let us concentrate on ensuring that our day-to-day activities, including eating meat, are done in a manner that complements our designation as "a holy nation."
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
