VAYIKRA

This parsha starts the next book of the Torah, called Leviticus in English.  In it are enumerated many, for our times, obscure instruction regarding sacrifices.  To get applicable guidance from these chapters takes some juggling.  One theme may be humility.  Another may be connection – connection to the past and all living creatures.  As to humility, it is said the Moses the supreme leader of the Hebrews was the humblest of beings.  Called upon by Hashem (G-d) repeatedly he defers saying he isn’t worthy and meaning it.  Here Hashem called on him to take the responsibility of creating the Mishkan, the tabernacle, the meeting place for the community and Hashem home on earth.  Moses again refused saying his brother who was to be the Kohen Gadol, the head priest, should do this.  But Hashem insisted.  Moses’ face turned red but given this task and honor it also radiated fire like energy.  Humble but active.  And to connections, there are three chief animals used for sacrifice and every animal sacrificed stands clearly as a substitute for us.  We are spared the punishments of wrong doings and sacrifice in public these creatures to represent us and we must appreciate their sacrifice.  And each animal is a remembrance of our ancestors – Abraham who would run to slaughter an ox to feed his continuous visitors.  Isaac whose own sacrifice had the substitution of a ram.  And Jacob told by his mother Rebecca to bring goats to his father, and they will sustain him and future generations.  May we be humble and active and appreciate the sacrifices of all who got us here.