The idea of animal sacrifice seems primitive and antiquated. I recently listened to a lecture by Rabbi Alex Israel, entitled “Understanding Korbanot” which makes the ancient sacrificial procedures much more relatable. I would like to share some of his thoughts.

The first sacrifices which were brought were those of Cain and Abel who brought the sacrifices of their own volition. Similarly, after exiting the ark Noah chose to bring a sacrifice. What we see here is a human need to give thanks to God. Humanity does this by giving a possession of value to God. The word in Hebrew for sacrifice, korban, comes from the word karov, meaning to draw near.  Cain, the farmer, drew near to God by giving off his valued produce, while Abel, the shepherd, drew near by  offering up his precious animals. This desire to give possession of value as a display of thanksgiving can even be found in the animal kingdom. A cat’s presentation of a mouse he caught to his owner, likewise, is an offering of thanksgiving. 

Yet, just as the owner doesn’t need (or for that matter, desire the mouse) God does not need our offerings. Our first patriarch is taught very early on that God does........

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