Hello my dear fellow classmates,
As always, Zahava is a great inspiration to my blog question that I will pose today. We have learned numerous interesting opinions as to why Bnei Isreal sacrificed Korbanot. My personal favorite is the Rambam’s reasoning. I like the fact that he states that it is because of the past culture that Bnei Isreal felt the need to bring Korbanot because that’s how all the other nations served their gods(I talked about this in my previous post and asked a different question.) However, this week I want to pose a different question. Can you think of any other reason as to why you think we brought Korbanot? Do you completely disagree or agree with the Rambam? Can you think of any other aspects of Judaism that were only done in the past because that was what other nations did and Bnei Isreal couldn’t give that cultural aspect of their lives up? Do you think that is all right that Hashem allowed them to “mimic” what other nations did and channel that to their servitude to Hashem? Do you think that any of those Mitzvot still exist today?
On something else the Jews did because other people were doing it- they needed to have a king. And the thing is, do we even really like kings? We like a democracy? But our kings were so loved by Hashem, you know? Very interesting to think that G-d doesn't want us to have kings but knows we need them even though He knows it will be for the worse. But actually, they kind of did need a king.
ReplyDeleteanyways, i think it is good that hashem considered what the Jews needed, because we dont want to feel like what we want doesnt matter, you know?
Carmit, I am very happy that you were satisfied with the Rambam's answer. However, I am not. How could it be that we are commanded to do something just because the other nations did it? Aren't we our own people? Aren't we supposed to be a unique, chosen nation, for we are the only nation with Hashem as our G-d? If so, why are 'recycling' customs of other nations to our culture? However, as I think of the Rambam's answer more, I become a bit relieved. I feel relieved because it is nice to know that Hashem takes in to account the cultures surrounding us. Imagine if Hashem outlawed the use of all cell phones because it was like "gashmius." (I'm sure some people have already claimed this!) It's like what Mrs. Perl told us...she is on her phone all day! However, she said it's not like she is serving her phone as her G-d, rather she is using it to communicate with the world and be successful in her every day life. This is an important lesson. We don't need to be an isolated people that has no contact with the outside world, but we must understand our boundaries and realize we are our own, separate nation serving Hashem.
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