Table Talk

In this week's parsha Hashem instructs Moshe to command Aharon and his sons regarding the jobs of the Kohanim. The Kohanim were the priests who were in charge of the Mishkan in the desert and later became in charge of the Beit Hamikdash in Yerushalayim. For example, they were in charge of the daily korbanot, or sacrifices.

In this parsha we learn about many of the different korbanot the people would bring such as the daily meal-offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, and the thanksgiving offering. After the korban was offered to Hashem, Aharon, the High Priest, his sons, and the rest of the Kohanim would have meat to eat.

Other things were also brought as an offering to Hashem such as choice flour, oil and incense, which were mixed together as pleasing odors to Hashem.

Rabbi Josh taught us that the word for sacrifice - korban - comes from the Hebrew word karov, which means close. In ancient times, this is the way our ancestors would try to become close to Hashem. Today, we have different ways to become close to Hashem.

Today, one of the ways we get close to Hashem and connect to something bigger than us is through tefillah, or prayer.

Another way we can connect to Hashem today is by sacrificing - not with animals, but instead sacrificing our money and giving tzedakah.

Recently, I feel that I connected to Hashem when my great-grandmother got Covid and my entire family was very worried. We all prayed that she would recover, and a few days later she was feeling better. This made me believe that Hashem listens to our prayers.

Another time I connected to Hashem is when my family and I handed out food to people in need at a community center. This made me very happy and I was proud of myself for doing the right thing.

One time I felt connected to Hashem was when my little brother was bitten very badly by my Grandpa’s dog. I was so scared and worried for my brother, so I decided to pray to Hashem and ask for my brother's speedy recovery.

Even though my brother got 70 stitches I feel that God still listened to my prayers and my brother is alright now.

One time my family and I gave tzedakah was when there was a bad wildfire in Australia around a year ago. We donated to an organization that helps save animals like kangaroos, platypuses, and koalas.

In conclusion, this parsha teaches us that you should never give up on Hashem. Just like our ancestors tried to get close to Hashem through sacrifices, we should trust in Hashem and believe that He is close to us and always listening.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom!