Emor 5783-2023

In a note on Leviticus 22:17-25, the ArtScroll bible commentary (p. 679), explains that “just as the Kohanim with bodily blemishes are not permitted to perform the Divine service, so [too] blemished animals are invalid as offerings.” Citing the Sforno, the ArtScroll commentary expounds further that G-d desires spiritual and moral perfection from human beings and physical perfection from the offerings. Despite the fact that a blemished animal may be more valuable than an unblemished one, it is not acceptable, given that the Al-mighty does not measure perfection by monetary value.

Since, very often, the purpose of bringing an offering was to atone for sin, it was hoped that the sinner would emerge from the Temple after the sacrificial ritual, cleansed and purified. Therefore, it is entirely reasonable that every part of the sacrificial experience strives for perfection and that the priest at the altar, as well as the animal that is sacrificed, be as pure and as perfect as could be.

Nachmanides points out, that in addition to physical perfection, the regulations regarding the sacrifice mandate spiritual perfection as well. Not only must the animal that is offered be physically healthy and robust, but even the thoughts of those performing the sacrificial rite are expected to be pure and proper. If, at the time of the actual sacrifice, the donor has the intention of consuming the flesh of the animal in a forbidden area that is outside the confines of the Temple, or to eat it after the time limit for that particular sacrifice has expired, the sacrifice is disqualified.

The author of the Sefer Ha’Chinuch suggests, (Mitzvah 286), that the reason for the disqualification of the sacrifice is that a person who brings an imperfect animal compromises with his conscience. What disqualifies the offering is that the donor has approached G-d with motives that are less than perfect.

According to rabbinic law, it is not only the physical imperfection of the Priests or the animals, or the intentions of the Priests or the donors, that disqualify an offering. The Talmud in Menachot 85a-86a, declares, that in fact, anything associated with the sacrifice that is inferior renders the offering unfit. Hence, defective wines, oils, flour, wood and incense that are used in sacrificial offerings disqualify the offerings. Clearly, Jewish law is “obsessed” with bringing a most perfect offering, in the most perfect dwelling place (the Temple), to a most perfect Creator.

What relevance could there possibly be to those of us in the 21st century who no longer have a Temple or offer sacrifices? Interestingly, based on the bold message of these biblical verses in parashat Emor, Maimonides (Issurei Mizbeiach, 7:11), exhorts all Jews to present their best efforts, not only in worship, but most importantly in areas of tzedakah and philanthropy. When feeding the hungry, the best food must be offered. When clothing the impoverished, the finest clothes from one’s wardrobe should be selected. When building a house of worship, the structure should be no less impressive than one’s own home and should rival and exceed its spaciousness and elegance.