In Parshat Vayikra, we read about the Korbanot (sacrifices) that need to be brought after a person transgresses. Not only the lay people are expected to bring the korban, the rulers are expected to bring the korbanot as well. In Vayikra 4:22 we read: “When a Nasi,...
A few months ago, I had the honor of being part of a workshop run by Matan and led by Rabbanit Shani Taragin at Meshek 48 in Rosh Tzurim. The goal of the workshop was to make Menachot (meal offerings) similar to the ones offered in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple).What...
The Korban Mincha (meal offering) is unique in that it is a vegetarian sacrifice. What makes this sacrifice special is that it is much less expensive than an animal sacrifice which makes it affordable for those who are too poor to offer an animal.According to...
In Parshat Vayikra, we read about the Korabanot, usually translated as sacrifices. However, the word korban actually comes from the root “karov” which means close. We bring the korban to get close to God.The word karov in Hebrew also means family member...
When writing a check in Israel, one can choose to date it with the "Jewish" date (ex: 1 Nissan) or with the secular date (ex: March 1). But is the "Jewish" date really Jewish and if not then why are we using it?The Ramban teaches on the topic of Parshat HaChodesh...
In Parshat Vayikra (Vayikra 4:13-15) we read: If the entire congregation of Israel erred and the matter was concealed from the eyes of the community and they did transgress one of the commandments of God that should not be done, they icur guilt. When they realize...
The beginning of the Maftir of Shabbat HaChodesh (Shmot 12:2), describes how the Jewish calendar is set up: “This month shall be for you the beginning of months it shall be for you the first of the months of the year.”What is the meaning of the...
The Haftarah for Parsha Vayikra is from Yishayahu 43:21-44:23 and takes place when B’nai Yisrael are already in galut (exile) after the destruction of the First Beit HaMikdash. Yishayahu explains that when B’nai Yisrael had the Beit HaMikdash, they...
Parsha Points- Vayikra 5772 The Small Alef Teaches Humility There are many different interpretations of why the Alef in the word Vayikra is written smaller than all of the other letters. The interpretation that we will focus on is the one from Rabbi...
Unfortunately, over the past few years there have been too many Jewish leaders who have ended up disappointing the Jewish community with immoral and unlawful acts. There have been Rabbis removed from pulpits as well as members of the Knesset including a...
Parshat Vayikra ends with the concept of the Guilt Offering: “And it shall be, because he had sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he took violently away or the thing which he deceitfully acquired, or that was delivered him to keep or the lost...
Parshat Vayikra is all about Korbanot (sacrifices). Ramban’s view is that these offerings show a person’s readiness to sacrifice themselves for their God. Nahama Leibowitz quotes Rabbi David Hoffman’s introduction to his commentary on Vayikra...
The book of Vayikra opens with the words: “Vayikra, He called to Moshe and God spoke to him from Ohel Moed, the tent of meeting”.If you open up a Chumash, you will find that the last letter of the word “Vayikra” is written in a smaller print...
Sefer Vayikra, the third book of the Torah, primarily deals with laws concerning korbanot (sacrifices). In Devarim 12:1-7, The Torah explains that korbanot were only to be offered at the place that God would choose. During the thirty nine year period that B'nai...
Vayikra 2:1 begins with the words: “V’nefesh ki takriv korban mincha l’Hashem”, “When a soul brings a mincha offering to God” Rashi asks why specifically in reference to the mincha, voluntary offering made primarily of flour, the...