Send this to a friend Ismar Schorsch is the chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary.
Experience often has a way of eroding our ideals.
While the evidence for this sad fact abounds, I wish to illustrate it anew in the exegetical fate of a passage in this week's parasha . The parasha concludes with a succinct statement of the sacrifices to be offered in the Tabernacle throughout the year. The midrash construes the instructions as part of the preparations for the conquest of Israel. The rules governing the distribution of land are spelled out in advance of the invasion, as is the sacrificial system which will secure God's favor and protection in the new home. What is noteworthy in this list of sacrifices is the difference between Passover and Succot.