Parashat Vayikra 5784

by Rabbi Margie Cella

This third book of the Torah, considered by many to be a part of the “priestly” texts, contains more than half of the 613 mitzvot. The predominant theme of this parashah is the sacrificial system. We learn about five different types of sacrifices: their significance, when and by whom each was offered, what animals were sacrificed, and who could eat the meat of the sacrifice. Many generations before us have wrestled with their discomfort at being commanded to take an animal’s life to procure forgiveness and reconciliation with God when one has sinned, or missed the mark. We are far from being the first generation to question the efficacy of these practices.

Yet the Torah tells us over and over that this is what God desires from us.

The Hebrew term for sacrifice is korban, meaning to draw close. Offering a sacrifice to God expresses our desire to draw close to the Divine.

Of the five types of sacrifices outlined here, the shelamim, peace offering, was a way of expressing gratitude to God; though it was offered by an individual, the meat of the sacrifice was shared with other members of one’s family and community. This was an opportunity to share one’s joy with others in a very real and practical sense. It became a festive occasion—much like our Thanksgiving celebrations.

Now, more than ever, we need to invite others to share in our reasons to celebrate. Though we offer our own individual sacrifices, our joy is multiplied by coming together to worship as a community.  Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh – All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.