sacrifices

Asked by MD · October 24, 2003 · Other

Question

I recall learing some where that Bnei Israel was only commanded to offer sacrifices because paganism was rampant at the time and everyone was offering sacrifices to strange gods, wherever and whenever they wanted to. Then G-d commanded Israel to offer sacrifices to Him at a certain time, place and in a very specific manner. This channeled bnei israel's worship to the ONLY G-d. Does the RAMBAM or any other major poskim have thoughts on this???? Thanks

Answer

Answered by Aaron Abadi

In his early days, the Ramba"m said like this opinion. But in his later years he studied Kaballah, and began to understand the true reasons & meanings behind sacrifices. He said that he regretted many things that he wrote earlier. This was said by the Ritva"h, who claimed to have personal knowledge of this. All the other Rabbis agree with the Ramba"m's second opinion. AA