03/27/2015
Who Would'a Thunk?
We know the Kabbalistic wisdom tradition was a part of mainstream Jewish life until rational philosophy became the “de rigueur.”
As the mystical was dropped from the community’s life, this oral tradition became less accessible. Only small esoteric group treasured it, and usually, kept it hidden.
Some knowledge was eventually written down, but with intention is that a spiritual guide (teacher) was needed. While we still have some of the sacred Kabbalistic texts, so much of the subtle, yet crucial meaning is lost.
Translation to our modern vernacular is particularly poor.
Take this week’s Torah portion for example (The Torah is THE Kabbalistic work) This week we read about how Moses instructs people to make a “korban.”
In English, we usually read “sacrifice.” That is how the word is translated.
But here is something important to know: This Hebrew word is better translated as “coming near,” or “drawing near. ”The focus of the word is about getting closer to The Devine, not about what we need to give up to do so! ( Think of the word "sacred," or the French "sacre" and you will see the connection.)
Korban, this type of drawing closer to the Devine, could be done only in Jerusalem, only in the Temple, and only in a strictly proscribed way. While sin showed our separateness, the sacrifice is the way we draw near again. Perhaps this was not about punishment at all - perhaps it was just about connecting.
‘Sure changes my perspective!