Reply To: Short & Sweet

Tzav: Live Your Life

If a non-Jew wants to bring a קרבן עולה, which is entirely burnt up on the מזבח, we allow him to do so. But we do not allow a non-Jew to bring a קרבן שלמים, which is a type of korban that is eaten by the one who brings it. Why is that?

Perhaps we can suggest that this is indicative of a basic difference between Judaism and most other religions. Most religions see religious value only in something that is obviously religious in nature. Giving up something for God is the type of sacrifice that they can understand.

But Judaism goes further than that. We think there is religious value even in the meals that we eat. We do not think of religion and everyday life as being two separate things. Every aspect of our day is suffused with mitzvos and imbued with meaning. Our religion is our life, and our life is our religion. This is unique to Judaism, and it is not something that a non-Jew will be able to relate to.

Perhaps this is hinted to in the name of the קרבן שלמים. This Korban celebrates serving Hashem with Shelaimus, with the complete entirety of every aspect of our lives.

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