Parashat Vayikra

Saturday 19 March 2016               Adar 11  9th  5776

Parashat Vayikra

Leviticus 1:1-6:7(5:26 in TaNaCH); Isaiah 43:21-44:23; Hebrews 10:1-18

At the conclusion of Exodus, the Mishkan stood erect and the cloud of G-d’s Presence filled the tent of meeting. We studied its construction in some detail and we know that every part of the tabernacle symbolized holiness. We also understand that there is nothing holy per se in an inanimate object however magnificent it might appear. The fact that it glittered with silver, gold, precious jewels and scarlet thread di not make an inanimate object holy. What set this structure apart is the fact that it was commanded by HaShem, built exactly according to His instructions and then, filled with His Spirit.

And then, horror or horrors, as we start studying the book of Leviticus, much to our surprise and initial dismay, we learn that the main function of this Tabernacle was to sacrifice animals, thereby spilling blood. Our modern minds recoil with this seeming primitive practice and we associate it – quite rightly so – with primitive, pagan religions.

Some have estimated that during any one of the festivals, it was possible that tens of thousands of animals were slaughtered in the Tabernacle in a single day. It is difficult to visualize but the smell and stench must of freshly slaughtered meat and the stench of blood spilling on the ground and being collected in basins, must have been overpowering. Anyone want to join me for a fine steak afterwards? How then are we to relate to the sacrifices and the Father’s emphasis on sprinkled blood, with His instruction for righteous living?

This is something that we have to take seriously because it involves a large chunk of Torah, which Sha’ul informs us ‘is written by men under the inspiration of the spirit and is profitable for doctrine, for correction, for reproof and for training in righteousness’ (2 Tim 3:16). The chazal estimate that at least 100 of the 613 mitzvot are directly or indirectly connected to or associated with, the Tabernacle. That is a fully 1/6 of Torah is about the Mishkan.

Lev 1:1-2
1  The LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting. He said,
2  "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When any of you brings an offering to the LORD, bring as your offering an               animal from either the herd or the flock.
 

As usual, the parasha derives its name from the opening verse i.e. chapter 1 and verse 1. The Hebrew reads ‘vayikra Adonai el Moshe’ – ‘and Hashem called to Moses’. So, the first parasha in the book of Leviticus is called Vayikra (‘and he called) and also, the entire book of Leviticus is also called Vayikra. Furthermore, seen as Leviticus also contains the rules for the sacrifices and the conduct of the priests, it is also known as Torat Kohanim - the Priestly Code! 

Before we even start reading in verse 1, allow me to remind you that the primary theme throughout this book has to do with holiness! Amidst all the detail and minutiae concerning the sacrifices, we tend to forget that Leviticus is predominantly concerned with holiness. How does a fallen and and sin-tainted people draw near to a holy and majestic G-d. This is what Leviticus deals with.

Now, the very title of the parasha is informative. The most common phrase used in Torah when G-d speaks to Moses is 'Vayidabeir Adonai el Moshe leimor' ' – ‘And God spoke to Moses, saying.' This exact phrase appears over fifty times in the Torah. Vayikra – and G-d called to Moses - is an unusual departure from the norm and is rarely used. In fact, there are only 3 instances where this form of greeting is previously used.
• Exo 3:4      -  when HaShem called to Moses from the burning bush.
• Exo 19:3     - when G-d called Moses to come to the top of Mount Sinai
• Exo 24:16 – when HaShem called Moses to the top of the mountain again

Perhaps, the essential message of the entire book of Leviticus is that we should recalibrate our understanding of holiness. The ultimate question is of course is HaShem calling you and if so, will your response be like that of Isaiah: ‘hineni – here I am’! Are we a people who are listening intently to the still quiet voice of G-d’s Spirit? Furthermore, is He calling you to a higher standard of righteousness?

ach one has to resolve this for him or herself before the Almighty! How seriously to you embrace the call to sanctification? May He have mercy on us all!