Vayikra: Connecting With My True Will: Mitzvah 115 – Concept 350

“If one’s offering is an elevation-offering from the cattle, he is to offer an unblemished male; he is to bring it to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, voluntarily, before God.” (Leviticus 1:3) We are commanded to carry out the procedure of the Elevation-Offering as prescribed in the Torah. (Rambam, Hilchot Ma’aseh HaKorbanot – The Laws of The Sacrificial Procedure)

“Voluntarily,” no one can be coerced to bring an offering. What if someone is required to bring an offering but refuses to do so? The court may coerce him until he proclaims his willingness. (Rashi)

The Rambam (Hilchot Gerushin – The Laws of Divorce 2:20) explains this seemingly incongruous course of action. The soul always wants to do the right thing, but external circum influences and temptations cloud our judgment. The court’s coercion counters these external influences and allows the essential goodness of the soul to come through.

Perhaps, the Court’s “coercion” also describes listening to the person, speaking with him and guiding him in using the Mitzvot to connect with his, as yet, not defined “Will.” What does the person’s soul desire?