In Parshat Acharei Mot (Vayikra, Chapter 17) we learn that animals that have been consecrated as offerings must be brought to Ohel Moed (the Tent of Meeting) and sacrificed on the Mizbeach (Altar). They must be slaughtered in the Sanctuary area and their service must be performed in the Sanctuary area as well. This was true during the entire time that B’nai Yisrael spent in the desert.
Once they get to the Land of Israel, things change, as we see in Dvarim 12:20-21:
When Hashem, your God will broaden your boundary as He spoke to you, and you say, “I would eat meat.” For you will have desire to eat meat, to your heart’s entire desire may you eat meat. If the place that Hashem, your God will choose to place His name will be far from you, you may slaughter from your cattle and your flocks that Hashem has given you as I have commanded you, and you may eat in your cities according to your heart’s desire.
Rashi, quoting Sifrei explains that in the wilderness they were not permitted to eat non sacrificial meat unless it was sanctified and brought as a Shlamim offering.
Why were they permitted to eat non sacrificial meat in the Land of Israel but not in the wilderness?
According to Ramban, since in the Land of Israel it was a far trip to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), they couldn’t expect everyone to come to the Beit HaMikdash every time that they wanted meat.
Rambam, in Moreh Nevuchim (3:46) explains that in the wilderness they needed to be more careful since they were still under the influence of the idol worship that they experienced in Egypt. Therefore they were required to eat meat only in a place of kedusha (holiness). Once they arrived in the Land of Israel and they were a new generation that was removed from Egypt, they were permitted to eat non sacrificial meat.
When one lives in Israel, everything that one does becomes holy- planting, threshing, building, settling, teaching etc. Whoever settles and builds up the Land is involved in a mitzvah. Eating meat throughout the Land of Israel strengthens us to serve God and improve our homeland.
May we appreciate the fact that we have a modern State of Israel with lots of kosher stores and restaurants and the opportunity to eat whatever we want, wherever we want, whether it is meat, vegan, vegetarian or gluten free.
As we enjoy celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut with barbecues throughout Israel, let’s not forget our ultimate goal to see the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash where we will once again be able to offer korbanot (sacrifices).
