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Vayikra

The Intent of the Heart

The primary importance of an offering is not in its monetary value, but rather in the intent of the person bringing it.

It is stated regarding a burnt offering brought from one’s livestock: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (Leviticus 1:9), and it is stated regarding a bird burnt offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (1:17), and it is stated regarding a meal offering: “A fire offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord” (2:2). This usage of the same terminology regarding all three offerings serves to teach you that one who brings a substantial [i.e., an animal] offering and one who brings a meager [i.e., a bird or meal] offering are equal – provided that the one bringing the offering focuses his intent to do so for the sake of Heaven. (Mishna Menaĥot 13:11)