Shacharis > Korbonos > Eizehu
Towards the end of the morning Korbonos, we say the Mishnayos of Eizehu M’komon Shel Zevachim, in which many different korbonos are mentioned. There are some very simple messages we can find in these korbonos that can help us come closer to Hashem. The word ‘korbon’ is related to the word ‘karov’, ‘to be or come close’. When we had a Beis Hamikdash we drew closer to Hashem through bringing korbonos, and without a Beis Hamikdash we come closer to Hashem through saying the parshiyos of korbonos with mindful intention. What are these intentions?
Let’s go through some of the primary korbonos in Eizehu M’komon and view them as different pathways to approach Hashem. Some people may connect more through one specific korbon, and some people may connect with a different korbon on different days.
The Korbon Oleh, which was burnt in its entirety on the mizbeach, represents connecting to Hashem through total disconnection from the physical world. It is the mindset of totally sanctifying oneself to Torah and the service of Hashem. This is a pathway to avodas Hashem that is certainly challenging, but perhaps we can have days, or even moments, when we are ready to disconnect completely and focus fully on connecting to Hashem.
The Korbon Shelamim, which was eaten with holiness and purity, represents elevating the physical world to a spiritual purpose, and doing even the most mundane of activities with spiritual intention. We can come close to Hashem without completely separating ourselves from physicality, by elevating our physicality, making it all a form of serving Hashem. Eating, working, and taking care of our families stand alongside davening, learning, and other mitzvos; they are all holy when done for the right reasons.
The Korbon Chattos, or Asham, which was brought as an atonement for sin, represents our ability to use our sins as a springboard to come closer to Hashem. The distance we feel from any sin becomes the catalyst for the greatest growth, as we reconnect to Hashem through teshuvah. The greatest sin can lead to the greatest yearning for Hashem, which can be expressed through the greatest teshuvah and lead to the greatest closeness!
The Korban Todah, which was brought out of gratitude to Hashem, represents our ability to come closer to Hashem at any moment through the simple expression of Thank You Hashem!
Hakadosh Baruch Hu sends sustenance every single day, providing both his spiritual and physical needs for the day, but every morning a klipah called תולע “Tola” is awakened and wants to steal that shefa for itself. Through the korbonos, and specifically the Korbon Tamid which is called Olas Tamid (עולת having the same letters and numerical value as תולע “Tola”), we counteract the power of that klipah.
However, the main thing is to rely on Hashem completely, trusting with complete belief that Hashem is our sole provider and that He provides for our needs every day. The klipah has no ability to steal the shefa from one who has such trust.
Quote Section Author: Ahavas Shalom
Moment of Mindfulness:
Before saying korbonos, take a moment to think about which korbon is going to power your connection to Hashem right now, during davening. Is it a passionate determination to separate yourself completely from the physical world to cling to Hashem (oleh), or is it to elevate your physical world (shelamim)? Is it to use a sense of distance you may feel due to sin as a catalyst for growth (chattos), or is it through gratitude for all the big and little things Hashem does for you (todah)?
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 19.