At the same time, we harbor much resentment toward the obligation. The commandment, though, is wise, for a reason even more important than supporting the community. If we would recognize our dues and pledges as korbanot , as sacrificial offerings, then those Jewish taxes we begrudge would instead bring us closer to Judaism, to the synagogue, to our people and to God. Sacrifice is sorely needed in our personal lives, as well. Spouses are drawn closer together when one truly yields for the other.
Children know they are loved when their parents forsake their own pleasures for their offspring.
Older parents feel truly honored when their adult children abstain from personal luxuries, in order to provide for their elders. Certainly, such sacrifice can be taken to an unhealthy extreme, and may counterproductively lead to resentment. For most of us, though, the need to sacrifice is the more urgent message. Interestingly, our Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrants at the Temple internalize the significance of sacrifice beautifully. Speaking to God, before the open Ark, at the Shabbat morning service, almost every one of our youngsters mentions having given up various activities in order to prepare for that special day.