Sacrifices

[Jewscout]

So what's the deal w/ sacrifices? Why would an all powerful, all knowing supreme G-d need sacrifices?
The sacrifices are probably one of the most misunderstood parts of the Torah and it's Laws.
Does HaShem need sacrifices? No, He doesn't, He doesn't need anything. the sacrifices aren't placed there for Him but for the Jews. The word for sacrifice is Korban which comes from the word korav which means "coming close". the korban was meant for someone who as "far" from HaShem to "come closer" to Him.

Here is some explanation to this idea. On Pesach a sacrifice was brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. The lamb (which is what was offered on Pesach (passover)) would be slaughtered according to kosher law and each of the things that would transpire would symbolize something different. Blood of the animal is sprinkled on the alter, to represent Man's animal side; the fat of the animal, representing desire, is burned, elevating it. Then the first portion of meat is taken by the Kohen, the priest, for eating to remind the individual that all things come from HaShem. The remainder of the animal is given back to be eaten as part of the Pesach (passover) Seder.

But why would HaShem call for these sacrafices? There are a few differing opinions.
One is that the Hebrews, coming from the land of Egypt and being exposed to pagan faiths and customs were used to the idea of sacrifices as a way of paying homage to a deity. Some say, because of this, they called for sacrifices so that they could be like the other nations. Others say that HaShem decreed it after the incident of the Golden Calf, knowing that without something physical (ie sacrifices, the Temple) the Nation would slip into idolitry.
This tends to be the opinion of Maimonides.
another reason is given by Nachmanides, who says that the concept of sacrifices predates Egypt going back to the days of Cain and Able who gave sacrifices in Genesis.

Another point that has often been raised to me by others, primarily certain christians, is the concept of sacrifices for sin. Yes, sacrifices were done to attone for sins committed (but again sin is another one of those words that is never really defined accurately). But sacrifices aren't enough. What is desired is teshuva, repentance. This was the problem, some say, during the second temple period when people just performed the sacrifices and yet did not change their ways. The prophet Hosea says this when HaShem says to him "It was your kindness which I desired, not your offerings" Hosea 6:6

today prayer is used instead of the sacrifices, but the issues are still the same. repentance means change, not simply saying your sorry and then still doing it.