Today is the 29th day of the Omer.
This week’s kavanot are all inspired by passages found in the weekly Torah portions from Leviticus. Among the most difficult books for a modern reader to comprehend, Leviticus (with the exception of one chapter) is an esoteric text focused on priestly (Cohanim) behavior and obscure sacrificial practices. Never ones to shirk from a challenge, commentators throughout the ages have plumbed the book for contemporary relevance. Each of the readings for this week will share some of those gems with the Wise community.
Vayikra: The First Torah portion in Leviticus
To sacrifice animals or not to sacrifice, that is the question!
The Medieval (12th century) Spanish sages Maimonides and Nachmanides (no relation) debated the continuing value of animal sacrifice. Maimonides (this writer’s hero) viewed the practice as a transitional concession by God to allow the more primitive early Israelites to slowly wean themselves of pagan practices and become true monotheists. As the people became more advanced, sacrifices would cease. Nachmonides vehemently objected and claimed that sacrifices were part of the deep, mystical connection between God, Israel, and the balance of the Universe. God and humanity need sacrifices to connect themselves to each other.
The Biblical scholar Professor Menachem Kellner discerns an important and compelling insight into the different ways that human beings can encounter God in this great medieval debate. For Maimonides, God is fully beyond humanity and must be encountered through the constant striving to develop our intellect and expand our understanding of all things. In contrast, Nachmonides sees God is immanent, that is, close and accessible. Ritual actions, whether sacrifice or holiday observance affirm and strengthen the internal presence of God.
Who is correct? Well, both, of course! Our understanding of God is deeply personal and can be informed by the ideas of others but is certainly not dictated by them. Our own definitions of the word “God” can vary from the rationalist “God is nature” to the personal “God watches over me” and the beauty of Jewish tradition is that there’s a place for all at the table.
— Rabbi Ron Stern