בס”ד

Parashat Vayikra (And He called) Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Shabbat  Rosh Chodesh Nissan

The Seventh Aliyah Numbers 28:9-15

Maftir: Exodus 12:1-20

Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16-46:18

In this week’s Torah portion Moses begins to instruct Israel concerning the various sacrifices and offerings. Much could be said about these, but in this article only one word will be discussed. In the opening verses of Leviticus one reads,

“If an elevation-offering is his sacrifice from the cattle an unblemished male, he shall bring it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, he shall offer it willingly, before HaShem.”

Leviticus 1:3

Please note the word “willingly“. Although some translations render it “voluntarily” the idea here is related to that which one desires to do   .”לרצונו”This means that for an offering to be accepted by HaShem, one needs to present it to Him, because he desires to do so, and not under some compulsion. In other words, there needs to be an agreement between the individual and G-d that there is a need for the sacrifice to be made. Many have pointed out that the basis for this agreement is conviction. In regard to this there is a connection between the fact that immediately after setting up the Tabernacle in the end of the book of Exodus, the presence of G-d (revealed by a cloud) covered the Tabernacle. It is not a coincidence that as soon as HaShem’s presence dwells with the people in a special way, Moses begins to instruct Israel about sacrifices. From this point one learns that it is the presence of G-d that brings a person to fall under conviction and be moved to respond to his problem with sin.

Although the Tabernacle was first set up nearly 3,500 years ago nothing has changed. If individuals are going to fall under conviction today and be moved to deal with their problem of sin, G-d must be present before them. How can one assist another person to fall under conviction and cause him to desire  (לרצונו)to deal with his sin by accepting Messiah Yeshua? Whenever G-d’s word is read, His presence can be experienced and there is the best opportunity for one to fall under conviction.

Why not invite your neighbors, work associates, etc. to your home for a Bible Study; you may be surprised how many will come.

Shabbat Shalom