of the book of Vayikra is antiquated. Presently, this issue is mute since we are
unable to perform the Temple rituals and instead use prayer as a substitute.
However, what is in store, speedily and in our days, when the glory will be
restored?
The Midrash (V.R. 9:7) states that "in the ‘future’ all of the sacrifices will be
annulled, however the thanksgiving offering (korban todah) will not be annulled."
The Redak (1160-1235) explains that in the era of Moshiach men will no longer
succumb to sin, so the only remaining function for a sacrifice will be to thank and
praise Hashem for the miracles He performs.
Rashi (Vayikra 7:12) brings four examples of when one would bring the korban
todah: upon returning from an oversea journey, after crossing a desert, after
being released from captivity and after recuperating from an illness.
Metaphorically, the Jewish People in exile experience each of these constantly.
They experience a sea of troubles. They live in a spiritual wasteland, devoid of the
values of the torah. Often, they are persecuted and discriminated against, virtual
prisoners within their respective societies. Finally, their estrangement from
Hashem is symptomatic of emotional sickness ("cholat ahava," Song of Songs
2:5).
Living in Israel may not allow us to bring the korban todah, yet. However, it
certainly gives us ample reason to thank Hashem for delivering us from the
greatest severities of exile, from all four categories. If the animal sacrifices
themselves were viewed as a surrogate for the person, perhaps today’s olim can
be viewed as living/breathing korbanot todah...at least until we can repay our
obligation at the restored Temple!
Rabbi Steven Ettinger lives with his family in Hashmonaim, having made aliyah
from Detroit. He practices international tax for KPMG in Tel Aviv. He is also the
author of two books: Torah 24/7 and Connecting the Dates from Devorah
Publishing.