Getting Closer |
In Parshat Vayikra, we read about
the Korabanot, usually translated as sacrifices. However, the word korban
actually comes from the root “karov” which means close. We bring the korban to
get close to God. The word karov in Hebrew also means
family member (karov mishpacha). Over the past few weeks, we have
been told not to go near anybody as you don’t know who may be carrying the
virus or who you can catch it from. You are only permitted to be near family
members from your household and even then there are limitations. That basically leaves us with
getting close to God. Many people are having trouble with this concept as their
image of prayer is limited to praying in a synagogue or with a minyan. They are
trying desperately to grab on to whatever they can whether it is setting up
backyard minyanim which could still be a problem of people standing too close
together or not remaining close to home as per the new restrictions or
arranging livestream minyanim over the internet. I would like to suggest a different
approach. Prayer which has replaced the Korbanot after the destruction of the
Beit HaMikdash (Temple) is meant to build our relationship with God and bring us
nearer to Him. Private prayer which can be done anywhere is each individual’s opportunity
to become closer to God. This week, all houses of worship of
all religions in Israel have closed their doors. This does not mean that we now
stop praying. This means that we should use this time to pray for healing and
anything else that we may want or need This is our chance to build our
private relationship with God without the distractions of the other synagogue
members and friends. May this difficult time quickly be
put behind us and may we return to our synagogues as soon as it is safely
possible to do so. |