Time to Reflect

Today in class we discussed the korban Asham and its significance. After Sharon and Jamie's lovely presentation, we went over it one more time, and I realized exactly how important korbanot were. Yes, all of the korbanot nedava were very special and meaningful. They help us connect with Hashem because we feel that we have missed out on a mitzvah or want to do something special to give back. However, when we discussed the korban Asham I thought about what an affect it must have had on the lives of the Jews at the time. Some of you argued that we cannot really compare ourselves to the Jews of that time, which is true to a certain extent, nevertheless, we are still Jews and must be careful about what we do. As Yom Kippur approaches, I feel that this is perfect to think about. Think about how much greater and holier we were as a nation when we were able to bring korbanot. Think about EVERY single time you might have violated a law in the Torah. It is pretty scary to imagine how many korbanot I would have to bring to the Beit Hamikdash. When the people back then brought a korban for doing a sin, it was meant to help them reflect on what they did so that they could be more careful for the future. It is far more difficult in our days to focus on every little thing we do, but since it is about to be Yom Kippur it seems to be a perfect time to reflect on what sins we have done throughout the past year in order to change and become better and also to be more CAREFUL for the upcoming year.