The meaning of Sacrifice in today's world

My Dear Friends,

Since we are unable to come together in person for the time being, your Temple Emanuel Clergy, Staff and Lay Leadership are committed to doing all that we can to stay in touch and provide content that will help us to weather this difficult time. We are going to try to overlay each week of our separation with a theme that reflects the torah portion of the week. Here’s a first try.

The torah portion for this week is Vayikra. It begins the book of Vayikra, or Leviticus.

For many people, Vayikra is a difficult book – all about sacrifice, disease and cleanliness. Most of the Mitzvot in Vaykira reflect ritual, legal and moral practices that, for most of us, have little bearing on the world in which we live.

And yet, as we know, the world is a bit topsy-turvy right now. In our cloistered reality, focus has shifted away from large-picture concerns – to the tasks of daily living:

• Disinfecting our environment
• Preparing food
• Shopping
• Staying healthy
• Ensuring that our loved ones are safe and secure

All of these are key components of this week’s Parasha. The focus on Priestly purity and cleanliness means a lot more now than it did just a few weeks ago. Suddenly – this esoteric book of Torah seems more prescient every day.

A key concept of Vayikra is that of Korbanot – or Sacrifices. As modern, Reform Jews, the idea of Sacrifice seems foreign, and yet – think about all of the sacrifices we have made, are currently making and will have to make in the future.

We are all aware of the dangers inherent in isolating ourselves. We can lose touch with our better selves and our community if we do not constantly reinforce the values and priorities that help us to rise above our animal instincts. Vayikra is a book that tells us to limit ourselves – to make room for one another and to strive to maintain systematic and ritual consistency. These are values that we all can take to heart at this time of radical change, fear and isolation.

One word for sacrifice in Hebrew is Korban. It’s root, karov, also means “draw near.” Our tradition understood sacrifice as a way of drawing nearer to God by sharing the best that we have to offer. Currently, we are all sacrificing a great deal as we confront the untested waters of this global pandemic. But we are also experiencing powerful moments of drawing near – to one another –and to everyone around the globe – as we confront this crisis together.

This week, as we try to adapt to our new normal, I’d like us to think about the sacrifices we are making – for the sake of one another – for our family and friends – for our own personal safety and wellbeing. But in addition to sacrificing, let us also strive to find ways to draw near to one another, to our values and to our God.

Over this past weekend, we have shared so much together – even in our isolation. From Shabbat services and Torah study, to stories and activities for young children to a live concert by Jewish Rock icon Rick Recht. While not without glitches, we have learned – and are continuing to learn – how just how powerful the technology of live-streaming and the internet can be to help us all stay connected. We at Temple Emanuel – your clergy, professional team, and lay leadership are committed to helping one another. We will continue to post opportunities for learning, sharing, worship and fellowship

At this time of sacrifice, we also are finding beauty in the ways that we refuse to allow our self-imposed segregation to become isolation.

Each year, before the High Holy Days, I send out questions to help us to prepare for the Cheshbon HaNefesh (self-evaluation and introspection) that is integral to the month of Elul. Now is also a good time for us to be focusing on key questions of our lives. With this is mind, I want to once again pose a few questions for all of us to ponder – one for each day of the week:

1. What sacrifices have I made since this pandemic has manifested itself?
2. Are there new rituals that I can create during this radical reshaping of my daily life that will help me to stay mentally and physically healthy?
3. Have I done all that I can to ensure that I am protecting myself, my loved ones and my community by changing my habits around hygiene and sanitizing myself?
4. In my concerns about ensuring my own health and safety – as well as that of my loved ones, have I been selfish by hoarding essential items that others need as well?
5. With the radical change in lifestyle we are experiencing, have I also done all that I can to help others - to reach out to those in need?
6. How can I “draw near” to other members of my community during a time of social distancing?
7. How can I be there for family, friends and neighbors who may be sacrificing more than I am?

Again – these are just a few examples of the kinds of questions we can be asking ourselves. I’m not sure if I will do this each week – but I do promise that we will keep sending you content that will be relevant and central to our mission as a Kehilla Kedosha – a scared community. I welcome your feedback and responses. Feel free to post them here on Facebook or email me directly at Black@Emanueldenver.org. You can also reach out to the rest of our clergy, educational and leadership team whose email addresses are readily available on our website.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more moments of teaching, sharing and holiness.

Shalom U’Lihitraot – we will see you soon!

Rabbi Joseph R. Black