What's the Real Reason for Sacrifices? - Torah Portion Tzav
Sacrificial altar, Tel Be'er Sheva, 8th C. B.C.E. The question in the title seems like a reasonable line of inquiry. But in fact it's misleadingly simplistic. Here's why: 1. There are different categories of "reasons." a) The theoretical/historical "reason behind" something. b) The reason people typically cite when asked. c) People's actual internal motivations for doing it. Sacrifices aren't like say, lightbulbs. With the lightbub, the reason for inventing it, the reason people give for using it, and the actual motivation for turning it on, are all one and the same - being able to see in the dark without a candle. When it comes to sacrifices however, the theoretical or historical reason they exist (e.g. the belief that success requires sacrifice to the god) might have little to do with what the offerer in Temple times might give as the reason (e.g. the desire to serve God), and what the person "says" may not really express ...