Shemini (Lev. 9:1-11:47)

What’s for Dinner?

            Parasha Shemini’s hallmark is the dietary laws. From land animals, fish, and birds to insects and reptiles, specifications as to which are clean and which are unclean are given. The book of Va-yikra’ begins with the procedure for asking for forgiveness and in this week’s parasha, we are leaning how to avoid tainting ourselves with food. A big aspect of Judaism, to me, is respect; Reverence for Hashem, honoring our parents and keeping the mitzvot are all very important. The blessings for meals are also a form of respect. By blessing our food before and after consumption, we acknowledge the variety that Hashem has put on this earth. Also, like they say, “You are what you eat.” Many of the non-kosher foods, such as pork, can be quite detrimental to one’s health. By obeying the dietary laws, our communities are strengthened by camaraderie and wellness. What’s on your menu today?

חג פסח שמח

Tsav (Lev 6:1-8:36)

Fire

            Parasha Tsav continues on the subject of burnt offerings. The first two chapters give instructions for sin and guilt offerings, while chapter 8 details the procedure that Moses followed for the first offering at the Tent of Meeting. Whether for sin, guilt, or peace, burnt offerings need to be burnt, obviously. How to we burn? With fire. It is said in Deuteronomy 4:24 that “The L-rd, your G-d is a consuming fire, an impassioned G-d.” G-d’s love for us is truly an aish tamid (an eternal fire). The fire in the burnt offering reminded our ancestors that our L-rd was never going to turn away. Like wild fire, we Jews have in us a ner tamid (an eternal light) that cannot be hidden and should be used to be an example in this world.

Va-yikra' (Lev. !:1-5:26)

What Will You Surrender?

            As we move on to Va-yikra (Leviticus), we open with the subject of burnt offerings. Whether for sin or for peace, it must be without blemish. There may not be a Holy Temple currently, but we still offer sacrifices. In a few weeks, during Pesach, we will purge our homes of chametz and reflect on our ancestors’ quick upheaval from Egypt as we sit our Seder tables. Later in the year, we will fast during Yom Kippur to atone for our sins. Besides these two examples, one could also offer up time and energy volunteering for a good cause or using their talents for the good of someone else. When done for Hashem, it won’t feel like a sacrifice at all.

Va-yakhel (Ex. 35:1-38:20)/Pekudei (Ex. 38:21-40:38)

Note: In common years, Parasha Va-yakhel is combined with Pekudei to help make the number of weekly readings correct.

Working Together

            Va-yakhel describes Moses conveying the L-rd’s instructions to the Israelites, specifically reminding them of the Sabbath, offerings to the L-rd, and the building of the

calling for skilled workers to build the Tabernacle, each worker bringing something different to the table. Have you ever felt bad about yourself for not being able to do something that a friend of yours may be a master in? Hashem does everything for a reason. Sure, certain Israelites may have been a whiz with a hammer and a nail, but it would be for naught without someone to spin the yarn. Talent doesn’t become a gift until it is shared.

Precious Cargo

            The final parasha of the book of Shemot (Exodus) is Pekudei. It opens with the records of the Tabernacle, listing the materials used for its building and for the sacred vestment worn by Aaron. The Tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year in the wilderness. The presence of the L-rd filled it and guided the Israelites on their journeys.

            The Israelites set up a beautiful vessel for the Divine Presence. Today, we go to our own various synagogues and temples, but we still are the shomer (guardian) of the precious cargo that is our soul. We must respect ourselves so that we can protect ourselves.