Judaism and Atonement

Question

Hello Rabbi. Thank you for taking the time to listen and respond. I am torn between two worlds in many ways. First in my faith. I was raised Christian but things I have learned don’t line up when I study Judaism such as repentance and atonement . I was raised to believe that, in order to have salvation from sin, a sacrifice was necessary, and that is why the ancient priest performed animal sacrifices. Here is where the substitution of Messiah, spotless lamb is inserted as a sacrifice for atonement . My reading, for the last few years has shown that maybe the sacrifice wasn’t needed for atonement? I have seen where King David simply repented and didn’t sacrifice for atonement. How is atonement achieved in Judaism? I mean no disrespect. I really am ignorant concerning a Jewish perspective on these issues. If you could point me to study material concerning this, I would greatly appreciate it. I would also appreciate any teaching on remarriage after divorce and sex before marriage.

Sincerely Asking,

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    Ever since mankind was created, the ability to atone has existed. The Midrash relates (Bereshet Rabbah 22-28) that Adam heard from Cain that God had accepted his repentance for the killing of Abel. The Talmud in Tractate Eruvin 18 states that as a result of this, Adam also repented for the sin of eating from the Tree of Knowledge, and fasted for 130 years and separated from his wife.

    This potential exists today as throughout the ages. The Temple, with its services and sacrifices, served as a means to focus the penitent’s attention on his/her sins. Sacrifices came to an end with the destruction of the Second Temple, almost two thousand years ago. Since that time, prayer has been the accepted replacement. The Midrash Tanchuma Tzav 17 states that prayers are a replacement for the sacrifices. The Talmud in Tractate Menachot 110 states that one who studies the Laws of the Sacrifices is considered as if he actually offered them up. The Rokeach, Rabbi Elazar M’Germeiza, states that the learning of Torah outweighs all of the sacrifices.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team