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But of course, there is a lot to learn from these korbanot, because the Torah is eternal & nothing in it can be at all insignificant. So let’s see what kernels we can garner:
The Shlamim: This is a voluntary offering, it derives its name ("peace") from the fact that it is divided into 3 parts: one part is burnt on the mizbeyach, 1 part goes to the Kohen & 1 part goes to the owner of the korban. This is the ideal formula: when we take care of our own needs, look out for others & acknowledge G-d, we create peace in the world.
The Todah is a form of the Shlamim & it sends the message that a Jew ("Yehudi") must always be giving thanks for the many blessings we have – our safety, our health, our freedom, our status as Hashem’s "first-born."
The Olah, which is brought from an animal or bird & burnt completely on the mizbeyach, atones for one who considers doing a sin, yet does not do it. It is a reminder that we should purify not only our actions, but even our thoughts. Thinking good about others is a great virtue. Indeed, a person’s intent is always taken into account by G-d, & it can both invalidate korbanot ("pigul") as well as validate them ("kavana"). Hashem is a "Yodaya Machshavot" who knows full well where our actions are coming from.
The Chatat & Asham are animal offerings that atone for someone who acted carelessly & followed his/her desires rather than Hashem’s will. It basically warns us not to act like an animal that does things impulsively & does not have the capacity to think & consider its actions. The "animalistic" side or soul within each of us must be tempered as much as possible, while still retaining our passion for carrying out acts of holiness.
The modest Mincha flour offering, often brought by the poor, who can’t afford an animal, atones for the jealousy or anger that often accompanies indigence. It instructs us that despite our many challenges, we must all strive to be happy & secure with our own lot in life and focus primarily on the blessings we certainly have.
Finally, each korban includes "vidui:" we place our hands on the offering – as if we are transferring our misdeeds to the animal - & confess that, in truth, it is we - not the animal - who deserve punishment, but fortunately, Hashem is a forgiving G-d. Humbly facing (up to) our sins is the only way we can hope to avoid making the same mistake in the future.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
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