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Dear Mogen David Family,

Directly after the Torah enumerates the different gilui arayot in Parashat Acharei Mot, we learn of another severe prohibition based on the practices of the Tribe of Molech:

"U'Mizara'acha Lo Titen L'ha'avir LaMolech, V'Lo Techalel et Shem Elokecha, Ani Hashem." (18:21) 

The Tribe of Molech had an ancient custom to 'pass' their first-born through fire as a sacrifice to their gods. This is obviously an abhorrent act, one which makes any human being recoil. 

If so, why does the Torah repeat this offense in different contexts throughout the Torah? Furthermore, what distinguishes this act from the general prohibition to refrain from Avodah Zara practices?

Rav Soloveitchik, in a letter posthumously published in the sefer entitled Community, Covenant and Commitment: Selected Letters and Communications, explained that, philosophically, the intent of Molech is the same as ours. We too, in principle, believe we should sacrifice everything to Hashem (even our bechor, as we see in the case of Akeidat Yitzchak). But to carry out the act is inhuman. We fulfill this through the important Mitzvah of Pidyon HaBen, Redemption of the First-born Son, where we "buy" our oldest son back from a Kohen for five silver coins. Like Avraham Avinu [and Molech], writes Rav Soloveitchik, we need to be willing to offer our future and lives to the Ribbono Shel Olam. 

This is the reason we are so sensitive to the atrocities perpetrated--in action--by Molech. There is much we can learn from even our enemies: Esav was an expert in Kibbud Av; Balak offered Korbanot; Radical Muslims today pray fervently five time a day. But we must never sacrifice out humanity or our morality as we sacrifice to G-d. That is, by definition, not part of Ratzon Hashem.

May we continue to make sacrifices for Torah and Mitzvot, enriching a sense of love and devotion within each of our families, and receive the revach promised to us by HaKadosh Baruch Hu.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda Moses Rav HaKehillah/Senior Rabbi