The instructions surrounding the sacrifices are detailed. What to bring, where to slaughter, how to prepare, and even the sequence of the service.

But the Bible doesn’t stop there. It prescribes which parts are offered “on High” and of the remaining offering, who can eat what. Depending on the sacrifice, the Kohanim and Leviim, the priests and Levites, get some; the donor may get to eat of it, and so on.

The political lesson here? At the end of the day, after people sacrifice for something, there has to be a win. They must walk away with something. Sometimes it’s a choice piece, and sometimes it’s less so. But everyone deserves—and is required—to get a piece for themselves.

Passing legislation, reforming regulation, or crafting a diplomatic agreement is never easy. People on all sides are asked to compromise. But if they do, then they need to see something for their efforts.

Words to consider. Ideas to ponder. Politics and the parsha.

Howie Beigelman works at the intersection of nonprofit advocacy and Jewish communal affairs. Follow him on Twitter @howielb.

By Howie Beigelman