By Julia "the life of" DeParty

This week, we read Parshat Tzav, in which God continues to lay out the different laws of sacrifices. Specifically this week, we learn about sin offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, among others. If you really want to get down and dirty with all the gory details, feel free to check out this summary: here

I think when it comes to offerings in Judaism, it’s important to note that God does not need the people to sacrifice things to him. What could he really do with a dead cow or some leavened bread, anyway? So then the question is why it was important to perform these sacrifices at all.

Well, one interpretation is that offerings are made for the people’s sake, to remind us on a regular basis of our commitment to Judaism. And while that’s a start, I’m not sure I’m totally sold on the idea of sacrifices and offerings just yet.

However, there is one offering in particular that Tzav describes that interests me most: the peace offering (shelamim). One unique thing about this offering is is the fact that when this offering is made, it must be shared with the community. I think this is incredibly significant. Performingshelamim is not just a reminder to us of our Judaism, but also an act of community and togetherness! If that’s what sacrifices are about, count me in!

I think there is a lot that the movement can learn from here. Tzav commands us to celebrate and engage with our Judaism as a community. I often hear the Habo buzzphrase that Judaism is the most ignored pillar in the movement, and in some ways I think there is some real truth to that.

But, as a strong and connected Jewish community, I think it is very important to use this space to think about what it means to be committed to Judaism. How can we help each other experience and understand Judaism in new and different ways?

Particularly with Purim (and then Pesach!) coming up so soon, I especially encourage eizorim to think about ways to bring these awesome aspects of Judaism to your kenim. Chag purim sameach, y’all!

p.s. A special thank you to Rabbi Josh and all the chaverim at Schechter Long Island, whose dvar really gave me a jumping off point for this!