Of Time, Effort, Money and Other Sacrifices: Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1–5:26)

Of Time, Effort, Money and Other Sacrifices: Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1–5:26)
D’var Torah by Rabbi Boaz D. Heilman

March 19, 2010 4 Nisan 5770

This week we began reading and studying Leviticus, the third book of the Torah (aka the Five Books of Moses.

Interestingly, in Europe for centuries Leviticus was the first book taught to children as they began studying Torah.

Two questions immediately rise: Why do we study this book of antiquated and irrelevant sacrificial rites today in the first place? And: If it is so irrelevant, why, of all the Bible stories one could teach, was this book the first taught to children?

To begin with the second question: Leviticus is simple and direct. There is little philosophizing, no existential questions, just a logical system of do’s and don’ts, of acts and consequences. The stories of Creation, of Noah and the Dove, of Abraham, of Joseph and his brothers, the Exodus from Egypt—those would come along the way, heard at weekly Shabbat services, told at holiday celebrations. Now, however, the child is expected to step out of stories of wonders and miracles, and forward into responsibility and ethical behavior.

Leviticus, for all its obsolete rituals, is nothing but relevant to our lives. The sacrifices offered by our ancestors at the Temple in Jerusalem differ only little from the ones we offer today. We still host celebrations and feasts of well being, “simchas” such as a bar or bat mitzvah, or a wedding. We still make offerings to God and the community—not only of food, but also sacrifices of money, time and effort.

The first portion of Leviticus (each week we successively study one portion after another until we finish all five books) is called “Vayikra.” That is the first significant word in the Hebrew reading, by which we identify the beginning of the “parashah” or portion. The word Vayikra means “[God] called out” and refers to the commandments Moses receives regarding the system of sacrifices that would be followed at the temple. Several sacrifices are described, including the Olah (in Greek: Holocaust). Of all the sacrifices, the Olah is the only one burnt completely. All other sacrifices would be shared—some with the priest, others also with larger communities. It was offered once a day, in the morning.

Sacrifice is also part of the ritual of atonement for sins. We atone for our misdeeds—both intentional and unintentional—by repairing any damage we may have caused, as well as by the offering of sacrifice to make up for the break of faith between God and the perpetrator.

Vayikra places each one of us in a relationship of faith both with our fellow human being and with God. Nothing could be surer as a foundation for civilization, as fertile ground for culture and society to flower. It is for that reason that for nearly two thousand years it was the first book of the Torah taught to impressionable children. It is relevant and significant in every generation, including ours.

© Boaz D. Heilman, 2010