In this Torah parsha, called "Ahrei Mot," "After the death of Aharon's sons," we learn about the Temple ritual of Yom HaKippurim. One goat placed on mizbei'akh (alter) of korbanot (sacrifices); the other is sent into the wilderness to die. The Hebrew word, korbonot, comes from the word to draw close, and it implies that through the slaughtering of the animal, we are drawn closer to God. The English word, sacrifice, comes from the Greek meaning, "to give up, to lose." There is a world of meaning behind the different cultural understanding of the same action. Which system provides for our future, and in which, by definition, do we lose our future.
There is a similarity between this and the children of Abraham; Yitshaq is placed on the mizbe'akh of korbonot and Yishmael is sent into the wilderness to die.
We can offer our children up, or bring our children up, in a number of ways, sometimes it is in drawing closer to God; sometimes it simply is sacrificing them.
There needs to be system in place so that our children do not become sacrifice, but offerings, the do not become lost, but found, bring them and us closer to God.
We lose them in a number of ways, by leading them to and alter of sacrifice or by simply abandoning them in the wilderness. We sacrifice our children ever time we demonstrate that life has no meaning.
We sacrifice our children by teaching them that the zero sum gain is an ideal.
We sacrifice our children when we show them that it's okay if "we can get away with it."
If there isn't a system that suggests that there is a greater good; something beyond ourselves that we adhere to, then they will be lost, and so will our future.
And it cannot be a system of lip service, but true service.
Meaning we must lead by example -
If we want are kids to be honest we must be honest.
If we want our kids to value Judaism then we must value Judaism.
If we want our kids to think that Judaism is important then we must act and believe that has importance and priority in our lives.
Kids are smart, they don't listen to what parents say; they pay attention to what we do.
May all our offerings be acceptable before the Almighty and may you all be sealed in the Book of Life, in the Book of Prosperity, in the Book of Peace and Completeness.
May we all get everything we want, and may we want only that which we have.
Shanah Tovah! Tizku L'Shanim Raboth! Gemar Hatimah Tovah!
Happy New Year! May You Merit Many Years! May you be sealed for a blessing!
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