Tractate Zevachim

As we complete the tractate of Zevachim, I reflect that perhaps Zevachim has far more relevance in our daily lives than we would care to admit. At first glance, there is little if not nothing that our lives at this moment in time have in common with the primary topic of Zevachim. After all, the main area of study is study of sacrificial meats and although we pray for the rebuilding of the Temple (Beis Hamikdash), as of now that is non-existent and the connection to Zevachim seems remote. 

I would like to share an insight that illuminates a compelling connection between Zevachim and our contemporary lives. Shortly after the morning blessings and before the introductory section (Pesukei D’zimrah), there is a section devoted to the sacrificial offerings or “Korbanos.” There is chapter of Zevachim that is prominently featured in this section and it is called איזהו מקומן. This is translated as “what is the (proper) location” for the offerings to be brought. Again, it does not seem to have any relevance to anything in our daily schedules. 

After further review, I realized perhaps there is more than meets the eye. The Mishna states that while קדשי קדשים or the “holy of holies” must be offered in the north of the sanctuary, the קדשי קלים or the “lighter sacrifices” can be brought in any place in the sanctuary.

I was think that perhaps as a metaphor for life. If our service of G-d is in the manner of קדשי קדשים or the “holy of holies”, it must be conducted a specific place or time. Whereas if our service to G-d is in the mode of קדשי קלים, one can bring  it anywhere. I think for most of us, our connection to G-d is not in the mode of the Holy of holies but rather in the mode of קדשי קלים.If that is the case, it is teaching that once connect G-d anywhere. One does not need external spiritual stimualtion but rather can connect anywhere. As the Torah states, כִּֽי־קָר֥וֹב אֵלֶ֛יךָ הַדָּבָ֖ר מְאֹ֑ד בְּפִ֥יךָ וּבִֽלְבָבְךָ֖ לַעֲשֹׂתֽוֹ. Translation: “the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it.” In an age where we seek out new places and platforms for connection, it turns out, one just needs to turn inward. Zevachim might not be that irrelevant after all.