These students have such big opinions. It’s wonderful.
When the idea of animal sacrifice in Parshat Vayikrah was first introduced, we had some big reactions to it, and I’m glad to say we haven’t dulled since. Our feelings on the ancient system of sacrifice were matched only by our feelings on the modern climate crisis.
We’re always heated when it comes to thinking through what issues come up for us with elements of the text.
- It’s a terrible system. It makes it so that poor people can’t give sacrifices to God! Or that they can only give less.
- People might be taking advantage of others for their money when they make this trip.
- Farming is a job that requires a lot of luck, patience and planning- you might not have what you need.
- Going on a journey like this to make a sacrifice could be really dangerous.
One of the best questions to ask our class when they’ve encountered a piece of the text they don’t agree with is to think of and redesign the system based. What was the new system that we would be using if we put the members of our class in charge?
- For me getting close to God isn’t about going to a religious place, it’s about being in nature. I’d feel much more connected if I were out in nature than saying prayers somewhere.
- I think that during tefilah is the time when I feel most connected.
We talk often in class about the things in the system of animal sacrifice (korbanot) that don’t sit well with us. If the point of animal sacrifice was to make someone closer to God (karov), I asked if vegetarianism could be a modern version that would address our needs.
-I don’t feel like a choice of food can change anything. It’s not a way that a person feels closer to God.
-I feel like we should put less pressure on getting close to God.
-I think that when we get out and into nature, that’s a time where we’ll feel that closeness.
As we pick through these pieces we also take a moment in class to list out what some of the problems of modern systems are that are hurting the environment:
- Greenhouse gasses
- Fossil fuel usage
- Air and water pollution
- Deforestation
- Landfills
- reluctancy
As we list these concerns for the future of our planet, we also take a moment to assure ourselves of some of the people that are working tirelessly to turn the tides of climate change. Who are they? What do they look like? What are their beliefs?
- Thinking about new transportation methods
- Excited about change
- Optimistic
- Youthful
- Brave
- Experienced
- Present
- Motivated
- Open minded
As we list out all of these wonderful things, we take a moment to pause. What are all of these characteristics of? Who do these characteristics remind us of? They describe the members of our class. Youthful, optimistic, and energized about the issues that matter. When people think of those that will solve these problems, we can look to ourselves for solutions. Here’s to continuing to find solutions to what our world needs in Torah!