Laws of Food

Water used for washing the hands at the end of a meal.

The Hebrew word for ritual sacrifice is “korban,” or that which is brought near — to be offered to God. The Torah, mainly in the book of Leviticus, describes different kinds of offerings for different occasions and circumstances, and the ancient rabbis discuss sacrifices in detail in the fifth order of the Mishnah, Kodashim, and later in the Talmud. Among the many kinds of sacrifices are those given in regular service to God, for giving thanks, to atone for sin, on the occasion of presenting oneself at the Temple in Jerusalem, for holidays, and more.