Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses the laws of the firstborn offering, the animal tithe offering, and the Paschal offering:
“Their slaughter is anywhere in the Temple courtyard, and their blood requires one placement, provided that the priest places it so that the blood goes on the base of the altar.”
These offerings do not require sprinkling the blood on the altar’s corners, likely because they are not for explicit sins. Yet, there is one minimum requirement—that the blood reaches the base of the altar.
Rav Kook (Olas Re’iyah, Eizehu Mekoman 45) brings a deep explanation. The three sacrifices represent three domains by which holiness spreads into life. The firstborn offering represents holiness inherent in nature itself—sanctified from birth. The tithing offering represents acquired possessions and wealth, which can also be imbued with holiness. Finally, the Paschal sacrifice, brought by the community, represents holiness manifesting within society.
As the Mishna states, “The slaughter can be anywhere in the courtyard, so long as the blood is all poured to the foundation of the altar.” Poetically, this implies that diverse spheres can channel holiness in their own way, so long as they ultimately return to the same base.
In each aspect of life—natural, personal, and communal—sparks of holiness can be revealed. The success lies in keeping the ultimate goal of unity and divine service rooted at the base of the altar.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com