The Talmud teaches, “The one who sacrifices much and the one who sacrifices little have the same merit, provided that the heart is directed to heaven.” For the next few months, we will read intricate details of various sacrificial offerings that we do not perform today. Yet, each offering ends with these words, “lerayah nichoach la’adonai”: it shall be a sweet savour unto God. Whether it be a sin offering or a peace offering, the spirit is the same. What will the giver receive? The Talmud answers, “nachat ruach,” pleasure. These terms are difficult to define beyond the feeling we receive during the experience. Judaism is full of rituals–some we love and that bring us the utmost joy–sitting at the Shabbat table with family, eating delicious foods from various cultures, singing our favorite prayers in the synagogue with the community.

Others are more intensive and often not understood–laws of kashrut, agricultural laws in Israel, ancient standards which we attempt to make relevant today. At times, we think–if we only do this for tradition, why do it at all? Yet, let us remember, “lrayah nichocach la’adonai”:whether it be big or small, relevant or not, what we do as a Jew is in the service of God. These next two weeks will be filled with Passover preparation–in our kitchens, in our homes, and in our synagogues. As we go through the minute details, let us have the intent of our heart always front and center. May this month of Nisan, a month celebrating the freedom of the Jewish people, be a month where freedom spreads around the world.