Reply To: Short & Sweet

Vayikra: What Lasts

We know that somebody who does one of various aveiros is supposed to bring a Korban. But how does killing an animal fix what he has done wrong?

The Sefer HaChinuch explains that a Korban is supposed to drive home the idea that nothing physical lasts forever. Just as this animal graphically met its end, one day our bodies will cease to exist. Our bodies and physical needs therefore should not be the main focus of our lives.

This is supposed to inspire us to think about the parts of ourselves that will last past the day of death, the attributes that an animal does not have: our intellect and our neshama. One who focuses their life on the needs of their spiritual selves is on track to lead a productive and meaningful life.

לע״נ דוד חיים בן ישראל דוב הכנן
לע״נ ר׳ חיים דוב בן ר׳ בןציון שלום