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Humanity’s Challenges: Bereshit Until Today (part 3)
According to Rav Hirsch, Kayin felt he needed to bring something without giving any thought to what he brought. He was just trying to get it over with. Hevel understood it's not just about the act, the intention and the mindset are important. Hevel's offering had more human involvement than Kayin's offering. One's relationship with Hashem is not about the act, it's about the intent that comes along with it. The Malbim writes that God wants korbanot that have human involvement which is why an animal must be 8 days old before it can be brought as a korban, during which time the owner has to invest resources into his sacrifice.
Delivered at the OU Israel Center, January 3rd, 2019 (26 Tevet 5779)