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Drash for Shabbat Vayikra By Rosi Vogel - March 23, 2007 Our portion of the Torah talks about the Laws of Sacrifice. I read and learned that the word sacrifice has two meanings. The English term comes from the Latin word meaning "to make something holy", in contrast the Hebrew equivalent (korban) means "something brought near". How can I reconcile both meanings in these days? To be honest with you I just learned about the Hebrew meaning. So all this time I thought of a sacrifice as a renunciation of something. It is a strong word, yet I have heard it used so many times, as when we talk about all the sacrifices we do to be where we are, or to have what we have, or to be what we are. Why the sacrifice I wonder. Is it really a sacrifice or merely a choice? Are we making something holy? If I now bring to the table the Hebrew meaning of "something brought near", what is the sacrifice bringing near to us. Is it joy, pride, satisfaction? Do we know? What is a sacrifice for? Is it to gain a favor, or to ask for forgiveness from a wrong deed? Why wait to make a sacrifice so we can get something? When I read about people escaping from Nazi Germany, Rwanda or now Darfur, I realize that without a choice they have to sacrifice so much just for a moment of peace. They live in constant fear, sacrificing without knowing it the joy of living. They leave behind their homes and everything else. Do they want a favor? Do they need forgiveness? They sacrifice to bring hope near. How different our world is from theirs. How different the practical meaning of a word can be. How can I reconcile both worlds? My personal choice is to stop being indifferent toward Darfur, to donate money instead of buying something, to support organizations that provide help. If a sacrifice means bringing something near, I would like to bring hope near. Shabbat Shalom.
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