Q&A: From the Sacrifices and the Passover Offerings
From the Sacrifices and the Passover Offerings
Question
Hello,
It’s customary to say this blessing many times during this period before Passover:
“May we merit to eat from the sacrifices and the Passover offerings this very year.”
To be honest, it seems really unlikely to me that this will happen in such a short time
(it just seems like far too great a miracle for me to think God would do).
On the other hand, I’m uncomfortable with feeling this way, as if, God forbid, I’m denying the coming of the Messiah, which could happen at any moment:
“And even though he may delay, nevertheless I await him every day, that he will come.”
What does the Rabbi think about this?
Answer
First, I don’t know who has the custom of saying such a blessing. But even if they do, I don’t see any problem with it. You’re expressing hope, not an estimate of when it will happen. It really doesn’t matter what you think is likely to happen.
The more difficult issue I would see here is with the very hope for the return of sacrifices. Should I tell you that I long for that? That would be a lie. For me, at most, it is an expression of the desire for redemption. I assume that what will actually be there in practice is what ought to be there—whether sacrifices or not.