The outline of this week’s parasha bothers me. Here’s the basic structure of the parasha following the breaks in the Torah text:
For the first time Aharon and his sons perform the priestly service.
In a burst of enthusiasm Nadav and Avihu bring “strange fire” and are killed.
This week we conclude Sefer Vayikra.
Strangely, the beginning of the last chapter doesn’t seem to be related to the rest of the sefer.
Here are the relevant verses that I looked at earlier this week (Judaica Press translation):
This week’s parasha starts with the tochachah / admonition of the Jewish people.
Then the Torah discusses various vows and contributions that a person can make.
Both of these topics are difficult and sensitive.
I’m sure you that either you enjoy shopping or you know someone who does. Is shopping permitted? If so, what is the proper way to do it?
We’ve all heard the little ditty:
Sticks and stones may break my bones,
But words will never hurt me.
You were probably told this by a well-meaning adult after some bully harassed you.
Let’s see if the Torah agrees with the ditty.
I’m using a different format this week because I want to discuss a practical topic.
Also, there is a special opportunity available for just a few days this week that I want to let you know about.
If you want to skip everything and go straight to the special offer, you’ll find it at the end of this post. 🙂
Let’s dive right into trying to understand this concept of kedusha.
Here are the verses I quoted earlier this week:
An underlying theme of Sefer Vayikra is kedusha.
Let’s look at some of the verses that touch on this point (translation from Judaica Press).
Here are the questions that I have been struggling with this week.
1. What is tumah?
2. Without the Beit HaMikdash, is tumah important?
3. In some circumstances it is the role of a kohen to determine if a person or object is tamei. At other times, no kohen is involved. Why the difference?
It’s important to develop sound habits.
But why would God insist that the Kohen Gadol develop the habit of bringing a meal offering every day?
Here are the verses that discuss the meal offering of the Kohen Gadol (translation by Judaica Press).