It is difficult to define the word “icre” in order to adequately express the underlying concepts. The unfortunate use of the term “sacrifice” implies giving up something which is of value to one individual or the benefit of another or of living without something of value. Rabbi Shamshon Raphael Hirsch Z”l remarks that these ideas are not only absent from the nature of a korban, but they are diametrically opposed to it. Likewise, the definition “offering,” does not really define this word. The idea of an offering suggests that it fulfills a requirement mandated by the One to Whom this korban is brought, and that He, in turn, is satisfied by the offering alone. The idea behind a korban, however, is conceptually distinct from all this. The underlying notion behind a korban relates exclusively to man’s relationship with Hashem. This is reflected in its root form, “cre” (to approach, to come near). This concept immediately gives the idea of the direct purpose of the “vcrev” as the attainment of a higher sphere of life. Thus, this description rejects the previous two definitions of sacrifice and offering depicting the one who brings the korban as one who seeks to find inspiration from the korban. He aspires for a part of himself to come closer to Hashem. This is the purpose of his korban. The procedure by which this greater degree of nearness to Hashem is achieved is referred to as “vcrev”.
