Introduction to Mitzvot 88 - 89:

Partaking of the Sacrifices

HaShem wants the holiness of the Beit HaMikdash to reach out and effect the world in all ways.

The Torah teaches us that the special closeness attained by bringing sacrifices must be more than something understood by the mind.

He wants it to become a physical part of a person as well.

Therefore, parts of the sacrificial meat or meal are to be eaten by the priest and his family.

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Positive Mitzvah 89: The Priests' Eating Portions of an Animal Offering
Exodus 29:33 "And they shall eat those things [the sacrifices] with which atonement was made"

When a sin offering or guilt offering is brought, it is a Mitzvah for the priest to eat from those portions that were not offered on the altar.

The eating of the meat is part of the atonement for the person who brings the sacrifice.

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Negative Mitzvah 145: We are forbidden to eat the meat of a sin-or guilt-offering outside the Sanctuary
Deuteronomy 12:17 "You may not eat within your gates...the first- born of your herds or flocks"

Sometimes, portions of the sacrifices are eaten by the priests and others, by the person who brings them.

he sin-offerings and guilt-offerings must be eaten in the specific area of the Beit HaMikdash called the "Azarah", the Temple courtyard.

We are cautioned not to eat this sacrificial meat anywhere outside this area. (This Negative Mitzvah applies to priests as well.)

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Negative Mitzvah 148: A Priest is forbidden to eat any of the first-fruits outside of Jerusalem
Deuteronomy 12:17 You may not eat within your gates...the offering of your hand"

The first-fruits of the crop (Bikurim) must be brought to Jerusalem and given to the priest (See Positive Mitzvah 125).

This Negative Mitzvah prohibits the priest from eating these first-fruits outside of Jerusalem.

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Self sacrifice in a land of freedom penetrates to the bone. I saw men and women who sacrificed all they had to withstand the religious persecution of the Bolshevik regime. They came to a land of freedom and comfort and where is their greatness now? A person is bred in that land of freedom and comfort, worshipping it, chasing after it -- but inside he is crushed by the spiritual void. His inner being does not let him alone, the spark inside that cries, "This is not what I really want! I don't want this world! I don't want any worlds! All I want is Him alone!". This is the crushing of an olive for its oil. The oil spreads and penetrates every fibre of his being. He is lit by the tzaddik and now his every faculty begins to burn. And there shines the source of light that can never be extinguished nor dimmed. This is the light of Moshiach.

From: Bringing Heaven Down to Earth by Tzvi Freeman - tzvif@aol.com