"... The Israelite sacrificial system, more elaborately outlined in the Book of Leviticus, has engendered much discussion among biblical commentators and theologians. How do we understand the oft-repeated phrase in Scripture that the sacrifices were 'a sweet savor' to God (as in verse 29:18), as if God, anthropomorphically, enjoys the sacrifices with gastronomical delight? The Midrash Sifra, edited around 400 C.E., addresses this question and explains that the phrase metaphorically expresses divine acceptance of the Israelite participation in the sacrifice. This interpretation is incorporated into the Onkelos translation to avoid the anthropomorphism ..."