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There are different types of korbanot.The korban that is applicable to us
today is mesirut nefesh. Sacrifices were brought “from the animals,”
signifying that man must sacrifice his physical and material pursuits for
Hashem’s sake. This does not only include abstention from sin, but also
sanctifying oneself by setting restrictions regarding permitted matters, as
we have been instructed to “sanctify yourself (even) in permitted
behavior.”
Sacrifices were brought “ – from the cattle.” The word also
means “morning” indicating that immediately upon arising in the morning,
one should begin to sacrifice himself for Hashem’s sake. By starting the
day with self-sacrifice, one will be drawn to act in this way for the One must bring an olah-offering as atonement for sinning through hirhur
remainder of the day, fulfilling the maxim: “One mitzvah brings another ra (dwelling on forbidden concepts). Hashem does not consider a person
mitzvah in its path.” “ – from the flocks” signifies how one who has a machshavah ra’ah (improper thought) as having committed the
should behave throughout the day. A person must remain committed to sin that he thought to do. However, a hirhur ra requires atonement
act with self-sacrifice all day, and not assume that since he already through bringing a sacrifice. What is the difference between them?
demonstrated self-sacrifice in the morning, he is absolved of further effort.
It seems that hirhur implies dwelling on forbidden concepts, causing one
In our days, mesirut nefesh substitutes for korbanot. The way to acquire to gasp, emitting a gulp of air from his mouth. This gasp gives expression
mesirut nefesh for Hashem’s sake is through perfect emunah.Thisis to the hirhur in a concrete way, creating a sense of gratification.
attained by removing all doubt in one’s belief. The order of the chagim Therefore, hirhur is unlike a fleeting thought.
teaches us this process. First we celebrate Purim, which signifies removing The breath of man is also a part of his Godly component and must be
any doubt in our belief. Then comes Pesach, which is the chag instilling vaikra 2 guarded with kedushah. # 26347-EYAL-6