Since Rav Hirsch lived post-Enlightenment, he is writing in order to make the Torah relevant. If the root of the word Korban is Karov which means to come close or to draw near, then bringing Korbanot isn't about a pagan activity, but about bringing us closer to Hashem and strengthening our relationship with him.
He points out that it's not a gift, because that implies that Hashem needs or wants our gift and that it could help Him. Hashem doesn't need our help, because He has everything that He needs. Rav Hirsch also says that it's not an offering either, because that implies that we are giving something of value up to help Hashem. A Korban isn't an offering or a gift, it is used to strengthen ones relationship with Hashem.
The Korban isn't for Hashem, it's for us. It's a way that we can achieve a higher level of spirituality. Rav Hirsch also says that it's more than just bringing a Korban, it's about going to the Beit ha'Mikdash to do it; because when we are in the Beit ha'Mikdash we feel the presence of G-d and it's easier to establish a stronger connection with Him.
I agree with Rav Hirsch's opinion the most. To me, this is just what makes the most sense. Why would Hashem need our animals? He doesn't. Hashem wants us to have a strong relationship with Him, and therefore it makes sense that he would command us to bring Korbanot in order to establish that relationship.
Do you agree with Rav Hirsch?
No I don't because if G-d doesnt need the animals and we certainly don't want to go around slaughtering animals unless we are eating them, then to begin with we should have just had davening. People connect to each other through communication- we are emotional beings, therefore davening seems like the better option because we can express ourselves through language, not through just bringing a korban.
ReplyDeleteAlso, did we say that bringing a sin offering cancels the sin automatically? Or do you have to actually feel something? It's kind of like confessing to a priest- just because you feel bad and tell a random person, doesn't mean the sin just goes kapoot. It's still there. I don't get the korbanot thing, and I never will. Which is why it astounds me when people actually want to still bring the korbanot.
I get what you're saying.. and I agree, I don't get Korbanot either.. but out of all the explanations/sources we read I think that this one is definitely the most logical..
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