Expert: Ovadiah ben Avraham - 5/19/2009

Question
What is the meaning of the sacrifical laws in ancient Israel? Many christians claim that it represent Jesus (he came and sacrificed himself with "our" sins).  I am not knowledgeable in the sacrifical aspect of Judaism, but as an ex-christian I was always taught that the sins of the person were place on the lamb and sacraficed and the blood spattered on the curtain of the most holy place in the sanctuary.  What was the meaning of this sacrafice and explain how it does not relate to Jesus?

(I do not believe in Jesus or christianity whatsoever)


Answer
Samil,
Thank you for your question. Simply stated:

1) The sacrifices cleansed the Temple from the sin of the people and allowed G-d's presence to dwell in the Temple. They did not cause G-d's forgiveness of sin; only repentance could/can do that;

2)The sins of the people were placed upon the scapegoat which was released alive into the wilderness one a year on Yom Kippur;

3# Jesus was not a kosher sacrifice and the meager amount of blood he lost during his execution by the Romans (as opposed to the sacrificial animal which was bled completely) was not dashed upon the altar.

see also: http://mountsinaitemple.giving.officelive.com/bloodatonement.aspx


Hope this helps. Shalom!