The Sacrifices We Make: Vayikra.23

The Sacrifices We Make: Vayikra.23

By Rabbi Boaz D. Heilman

March 22, 2023

This week we begin the study of the third book of the Torah—Leviticus. In Hebrew, the book (and its first portion) is identified by the first significant word in the text—Vayikra, “and God called.” In this portion (Lev. 1:1—5:26) God calls out to Moses and presents the first of a long series of sacrifices we are expected to offer.

The description gets pretty gruesome at times—yet another reason to be grateful that we no longer offer animal sacrifices. However, the psychology behind these rituals is still valid today.

There are many occasions when we are called upon to offer some sort of sacrifice, be it of time, money or effort. Often, the greater good demands it. Sometimes it’s in order to ensure peace at home. Other times, we are moved either by a swell of gratitude, or its opposite—guilt. 

The Torah distinguishes between two types of guilt—for an intentional wrong and for an accidental sin. Both call for making things right again. Nothing worse than that feeling that we may have done or said something to hurt someone.

Guilt is a heavy burden to carry, and whereas some people might use the emotion as an active verb (“to guilt,” in my opinion a form of emotional abuse), the Torah gives each of us the opportunity to let go of guilt. Sacrifice alone doesn’t always suffice in such cases. Depending on the damage, we may need to engage in some repair work (tikkun) as well. For an object stolen (or taken by mistake) we are told to return or repay the value of the object, and on top of that to add one-fifth as compensation.

The sacrifice rituals described in Vayikra are primitive. Yet they teach us both to be grateful for what we have and to show regret for any wrong we may have committed. These are both valuable lessons. In earlier times, the book of Leviticus was the first of the Five Books of Moses taught to children. Its message was clear, simple and easy to grasp: The world does not revolve around us. We are all part of a larger system in which our families and communities—and ultimately God—have important roles to play. Peace demands sacrifices. Social justice and well-being demand sacrifices and compensation, sometimes even from those who may not be actively involved in committing a particular wrong, but yet are part of the system. We can’t always have it our way. 

That the laws of Leviticus are given in God’s name highlights their importance—not necessarily to God, but rather for us. It isn’t God who benefits from the sacrifices we make and the offerings we bring forth. But we do. These laws are for us, and all who are part of our community and society.

© 2023 by Boaz D. Heilman