In the Torah reading known as the Akedah, G-d calls on Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac upon an altar. This story is troublesome for many Unitarian Universalists, because of our uneasy relationship with the concept of sacrifice as a demonstration of devotion to a higher power, which is often how the story is interpreted among Christians. It is worth noting that Jews do not ascribe to this view of sacrifice. Rather, they see sacrifice as a way to draw nearer to G-d. -Lori Stone (CLF)
Take some time today to listen to the chant “Bring it Close,” by Unitarian Universalist musician Pamela Blevins Hinkle. “Bring it close” is an English translation of the Hebrew word often translated as “sacrifice,” karban. Let the music draw you closer to the sacred, however you define it.