Question I was wondering why it is that the jewish people do not carry out the sacrificial laws in the old testament. does this not count as a sin- to not do them? if it is not a sin, why not? how can the people be sure that they are not wronging God?
Also, if i was fully willing (and PLEASE dont give me the shpeel about how you have to be REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY WILLING) i mean REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY willing, and i lived in london, how would i go about becoming an orthodox jew and joining a community there? would i be provided with work?
Answer Han,
Thank you for your question. Deuteronomy 12:11 is clear that the sacrifices can only take place in the Temple. The Temple was destroyed in 70 CE. The prophets, who can suspend the law temporarily in cases of great need (they cannot, however, forever change it!) had decreed that until the Temple can be rebuilt (and doing so today would cause WWIII) that good works (treating others justly and with compassion) and prayer take the place of the sacrifices (I Samuel 15:22, Micah 6:8, Deuteronomy 10:12, etc.). It is important to note however that sacrifices NEVER caused forgiveness of sin. Only true repentance and restitution where possible, coupled with G-d's omnipotent compassion can do that (Ezekiel 33:14-15,19, 18:27). The sacrifices atoned for the sin of the people and allowed G-d's presence to abide with them. They restored the equilibrium between heaven and earth, so to speak.
As far as your second question goes, you appear not only defensive but even somewhat offensive toward Rabbinical Judaism. Added to the fact that you already have an opinion about us "wronging G-d Jews", I doubt this would be a good fit. Remain in your faith and practice it. Shalom!
