Sacrifice (קרבן, Korban), is primarily associated with the Hebrew root word ק.ר.ב, meaning "to draw near" or "to come close." A korban was an offering made to G-d in the Temple, intended to bring the offerer closer to G-d.
One type of sacrifice was atonement for unintentional sins. It could also complete the purification process from ritual impurity for an individual, facilitating reintegration into the community.
Others are sacrifices to express devotion and submission to G-d or to give thanks and celebrate in a communal meal with friends, family, and G-d.
The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE marked the end of animal sacrifices due to the absence of a central holy place where such rituals could be performed. Since the destruction of the Temple, sacrifice has been replaced by emphasizing prayer, repentance, and charity as means to achieve closeness to G-d, atonement, and spiritual fulfillment. This shift is rooted in the idea that heartfelt prayer and ethical conduct could replace the physical offerings, as suggested in Hosea 14:3 (14:2 in some versions):
"Take with you words, and turn to the L-rd: say unto Him, 'Take away all iniquity, and accept that which is good; so will we render for bullocks [the offering of] our lips.'"
Our bodies are like temples for G-d, and the mouth is the altar by which praises and repentance go ‘up’ like smoke coming out of the altar.
The spiritualization of the command emphasizes the sacrifices individuals make in their daily lives to follow G-d's commandments as well. “Offering up the animal” of our flesh desires and giving ourselves entirely to G-d.
This spiritualization of sacrifice underscores the ongoing relevance of the underlying principles of “drawing near” to G-d, seeking atonement, expressing gratitude, and celebrating G-d's presence in the world.
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