Leviticus

I have long objected to using Greek or Latin names that were given to our Holy Torah. Bresheet has become, “Genesis.” Shemot has become Exodus and Bamidbar “Numbers.”

The Latin name, “Leviticus,” given to the 3rd Chumash,”Vaykrah, however, is the only one that I can live with.

Why?

Leviticus is derived from the word Levi, the name of the tribe from which the Cohanim (Priests) and Levites who served G-d in the Temple, come from. Levitcus, is also referred to as the “Book of Cohanim”.

Professor Yacob Milgrom (1923-2010) whom I had the great honour and pleasure to have met while I was in graduate school at Berkeley (that is where he conducted his research) calls Leviticus the “Book of Rituals and Ethics.” The book does contain and discuss the laws pertaining to the Cohanim and Levites and other ceremonial observances such as sacrifices and those relating to purity.

What is unique about Leviticus that does not exist in the previous three Torah books?

Leviticus introduces two new kinds of sacrifices: sin offering and guilt offering. It also mentions the subject of contamination for the first time.

Before anyone points out to me that sin offering is already mentioned in Shemot chapter 29, as part of the construction of the Mishkan, it is noteworthy to mention that, there, the sin offering is not aimed at absolving anyone from transgression (which is its goal) but for the sole purpose of cleansing the altar.

The Torah also gives us the reason for the need for such an offering in Leviticus 16:16, “In this way, he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanliness and rebellion of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been. He is to do the same for the tent of meeting, which is among them during their uncleanliness.”

Leviticus is the first Book of the Torah that raises the issues of impurity and defilement. The mention of sin and guilt offerings brings to the awareness of people that humans and vessels can be contaminated. It also stresses that one can cleanse oneself of any uncleanness. The Leviticus author dwells on these in detail and at length and for ONE reason, the Mishkan.

Before the erection of the Mishkan, a Yisraelite could set up an altar and sacrifice anywhere. However, when the Mishkan was constructed, it became the only place anyone could offer a sacrifice to G-d. In the Mishkan of Shemot, it was only Moshe and Cohanikm who conferred with G-d. Leviticus turns the into a place where every human can confer with G-d through sacrifice offering. It is no longer exclusively for Moses and the Cohanim.

The Mishkan of Vayikra has, therefore, taken on a new factor. It must remain the holiest, purest ,cleanest and most untainted place in the camp. This new reality has created a need for new laws in order to protect it from the impurity that resulted from the sins of Bnei Yisrael. That, of course, explains the verse from Leviticus 16:16 which I quoted above.

It is sad that Leviticus is not studied widely or given more attention. Many regard it as dealing with ancient practices which dissipated a long time ago.

As a result, unfortunately, we fail to understand its important message to us, especially these days.

The message of Leviticus is that each and everyone of us should be part of the effort to keep the Shechina among us. In order to be worthy of that, we need to ensure, especially during these hard days, that we adhere to our objective to remain as clean and pure both Physically and Spiritually. Only this way can we fulfill the destiny of being Am Kadosh, a Holy Nation and overcome the most ferocious enemies.

Shabbat Shalom and every blessing.

A Community and Its Individuals, Equally Important

This week’s Parasha is composed of two portions. The decision to combine the occasional readings of two portions instead of just one arose out of the need to reconcile between the number of Torah portions (54) and the number of Shabbatot in a year (52). Doubling up Torah portions is also practiced close to reference point on the Jewish calendar (e.g. Pesach, Shavuot and others).

This week’s Parashah pairs Vaykhel and Pikudei.

It is interesting to note that these two Parashot express two different and perhaps conflicting messages. Vayakhel means gathering bringing people together and creating a community, a Kehilah. A community creates a stronger, more sublime reality, forges a sense of unity and commitment. And that is precisely what Moshe is trying to create in Parashat Vayakhel.

 The Parashah details how Moshe gathers Am Yisrael, shares with them G-d’s directive to build a House for Him and reminds them of the importance to observe Shabbat. Am Yisrael is excited and enlists itself to this important task. They contribute, each in their own way and according to their abilities. Some give silver, gold, precious stones. Others contributed by applying their skills.

Moshe’s efforts to unite the People have borne fruit. After a short while, Moses is told that there are enough materials, supplies and skilled individuals to carry out the duty. The mission of cementing a community by providing a common goal has been successful.

Then comes Parashat Pikudei, its pair. The word, “Pikudei” means counting, taking a census, tallying up. In this Parashah, Moshe is counting and documenting the vessels of the Mishkan, each one separately and equally important regardless of its size or value.

The message is clear. The process of building the Mishkan symbolizes the formation, the transformation of Am Yisrael from a forlorn multitude into a nation that shares a common covenant where everyone is an essential, vital part of one whole. 

Moshe, the great leader, was able to find the balance between the two very important, concepts underlying every healthy society, the community and its individuals. Through paring these two Parashot, we are given the tools to creating a society of shared values and ambitions where each individual feels connected and responsible for its well-being in an equal manner.

Fellow Jews and Am Yisrael, these are  trying times for the world. Here in Yisrael, the problem is magnified due to unresolved political issues. It is at times such as these that we need to join hands, cultivate our sense of unity, forget our petty ego related issues and dedicate ourselves, our skills and resources for the good of the whole.

To achieve Peace among us, we need both “Vayakhel and “Pikudei” equally.

Shavua tov. May we have a week full of Light, Love and Every Blessing.