Daily Sacrifices: The Heart of Jewish Life

In our exploration of the Korbanot, we delve into the timeless significance of daily sacrifices in Judaism. Rabbi Ari Herzog emphasizes that the essence of being Jewish goes beyond rituals; it is about unwavering commitment and consistency in our spiritual lives. The Korban Tamid, the continual sacrifice offered every day, serves as a powerful reminder of our obligation to show up and make sacrifices for the greater good. Through poignant stories and teachings, we discover how these daily acts can transform our connection to God and to each other, enriching our lives with purpose and meaning. Join us as we reflect on this vital aspect of Jewish identity and the profound lessons it offers for today.

What is Core Prayers with Rabbi Ari Herzog?

Welcome to "Core Prayers" with Rabbi Ari Herzog from Chabad of the Valley and recorded every morning at Chabad of Encino. In this enlightening podcast, we'll explore the heart of Jewish prayer and its profound relevance to our daily lives.
Join Rabbi Ari as he breaks down essential prayers, unveiling their deeper meanings and showing how these ancient words can guide us through modern challenges. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, practical wisdom, or a deeper connection to tradition, "Core Prayers" offers insights for everyone.
Tune in to discover how the timeless teachings within our core prayers can transform your perspective and enrich your everyday experiences. Let's embark on this spiritual journey together.

The Daily Sacrifice: Understanding the Korban Tamid in Our Lives

Welcome, everyone. Today, we continue our exploration of the Korbanot, the sacrifices that were offered in the ancient temple in Jerusalem. In our previous lessons, we discussed how the concept of sacrifice goes beyond the past, resonating deeply in our lives today. To grow and progress, we must often give something up for greater purposes. Sacrifice today means harnessing our inner strength to rise above our base instincts and channel our energy into positive actions.

Today, we will focus on a specific passage from our prayers that relates to sacrifice, particularly the Korban Tamid, the continual offering made daily on behalf of the Jewish people. This offering consisted of a lamb in the morning and another in the afternoon, symbolizing a commitment made every single day of the year.

Our morning prayers, Shacharit, and afternoon prayers, Mincha, echo this daily sacrifice, reminding us of the importance of consistency in our spiritual lives. A fascinating midrash discusses the essence of Judaism, with various sages presenting different verses that encapsulate its core message. Among these, Rabbi Shimon Ben Pazi’s choice stands out: “One sheep you shall offer in the morning, and one sheep you shall offer in the afternoon.”

This selection may seem surprising compared to the other verses that speak of profound ethical and theological ideas. However, it emphasizes unwavering consistency—showing up every day, regardless of circumstances. While the other verses highlight essential truths of Judaism, the focus on daily sacrifices reflects our commitment to live out these ideals consistently.

Rabbi Yehuda Loy, known as the Maharal of Prague, explains that true Jewish identity is defined by this routine. It’s not just about moments of inspiration during high holidays, but about embodying these values every day. Daily sacrifices for truth, love, and peace shape our lives and connect us to our Creator.

Judaism invites us to embrace this daily grind, whether we feel inspired or depleted. Each day, we are called to work on ourselves, sacrificing our egos and flaws to reflect our deepest selves. This is the heart of Judaism: a continuous journey of growth and connection to the divine.

A poignant story illustrates this concept. Rabbi Mendel Futtevas, a disciple in Soviet prisons, maintained his identity as a servant of God despite losing everything else. His unwavering commitment to his purpose, even in the bleakest circumstances, highlights that our true essence lies not in our possessions but in our dedication to a higher calling.

Wherever we find ourselves, whether in a bustling office or a challenging situation, we remain ambassadors of the divine. The message of the Korban Tamid teaches us that our spiritual lives require daily attention and commitment.

As we reflect on this teaching, may we strive to embody our values consistently, offering our own metaphorical sheep each morning and afternoon. Wishing you all a day filled with blessings and a commitment to living our truths.