This week’s Torah portion is Vayikra, and it contains some of the most well-known verses in all of Scripture: “The LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting. He said, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When anyone among you brings an offering to the LORD,’” Lev 1:2.
These verses are often read at bar and bat mitzvahs, as they represent the idea of giving back to God. And while giving an offering may seem like a strange concept to us today, it was actually a very significant act in the ancient world. Offerings were seen as valuable commodities, and the act of giving one to the LORD was a way of showing that He was more important than anything else in your life.
Today, we give our grain & grape juice offerings known as the Covenant Meal as offerings, but we can still show our dedication to God by giving our time, our talents, and our resources. When we do so, we are following in the footsteps of those who came before us and showing our own commitment to the LORD
Vayikra is the first portion of the book of Leviticus, which focuses on the laws and practices of the priestly class and the offering system. The name Vayikra means “and He called,” and refers to God calling out to Moses to instruct him in the laws of offerings.
According to tradition, the book of Leviticus was given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai along with the other books of the Torah. The laws and practices outlined in Leviticus were seen as a way for the Israelites to maintain a close relationship with God and achieve spiritual purity.
One reflection on the portion of Vayikra is that it teaches us the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect. The offering system was a way for the Israelites to show their devotion to God and seek atonement for their sins, but it had to be done in a specific way and with the right intentions. The book of Leviticus emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions precisely and not deviating from them.
Another reflection on Vayikra is that it reminds us of the central role that the offerings played in ancient Hebrew worship. Although the offering system continues to be practiced today by the Essene community, it still holds an important place in Hebrew tradition and serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ commitment to God.
Overall, the book of Leviticus and the portion of Vayikra are seen as foundational texts in the Essene tradition, providing guidance on how to approach God and maintain a close relationship with Him.